Accommodation Options Officer – EK

Job Details

Location: London
Job Type: Full-time
Sector: Local Government / Housing

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention & Move-On Officer to join a busy housing service supporting households who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or at risk of rough sleeping.

The successful candidate will work with residents who have a history of rough sleeping and those living in supported or temporary accommodation, helping them secure suitable and sustainable accommodation within the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

You will provide comprehensive housing options advice, assess housing needs and risks, prevent homelessness wherever possible and ensure that statutory homelessness duties are discharged lawfully and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assess homelessness applications and household circumstances in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

  • Undertake homelessness prevention and relief work, identifying practical solutions to prevent homelessness and reduce the need for temporary accommodation.

  • Work with residents at risk of rough sleeping and those with a history of rough sleeping to identify appropriate housing solutions.

  • Support residents to move on from supported and temporary accommodation into suitable PRS accommodation.

  • Assess accommodation suitability, affordability and sustainability.

  • Provide housing options advice and develop appropriate personalised housing plans.

  • Negotiate with landlords, families, accommodation providers and other agencies to prevent homelessness.

  • Arrange emergency and temporary accommodation where statutory duties require.

  • Allocate suitable temporary accommodation, including B&Bs, hostels, nightly lets, PSLs and other accommodation schemes.

  • Identify and secure PRS properties and make appropriate offers to households where suitable.

  • Work collaboratively with support providers, social care, mental health services, domestic abuse services and other partner agencies.

  • Manage complex and escalated housing cases and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations.

  • Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions are legally robust, defensible and communicated clearly to residents.

  • Contribute to reducing the council’s use, cost and length of stay in temporary accommodation.

  • Support residents through crisis, accommodation placement and transition into settled housing.

About You

You will have experience of working with homeless households or people experiencing housing insecurity, together with a strong understanding of the causes and complexities associated with rough sleeping.

You should have:

  • Experience working within a homelessness, housing options or housing needs environment.

  • Knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.

  • Understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, including prevention and relief duties.

  • Experience assessing accommodation suitability, affordability and sustainability.

  • Experience supporting households into private rented accommodation.

  • Understanding of the causes and risks associated with rough sleeping.

  • Strong assessment, interviewing and problem-solving skills.

  • Experience managing complex or challenging cases.

  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

  • Ability to work effectively with landlords, residents, support providers and partner agencies.

  • Strong written skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate and defensible decisions.

  • Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to make a direct difference to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. You will play a key role in preventing homelessness, reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and helping residents achieve sustainable move-on into settled housing.

If you are an experienced housing professional with a strong understanding of homelessness legislation and a passion for finding practical housing solutions, we would like to hear from you.