Job Details
Housing Options Advisor – Job Description
Job Title
Housing Options Advisor
Client
North Northamptonshire Council
Location
Kettering / Wellingborough offices
• Office-based 4 days per week (non-negotiable)
• Only local candidates will be considered
Contract Details
• Duration: 3 months (initial)
• Working hours: 37 hours per week
• Rate: £28–£30 per hour (umbrella)
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35
• Start Date: ASAP
Service Area
Housing Options – Triage Team (Lot 8: Housing, Benefits & Planning)
Role Purpose
The Housing Options Advisor will work within the Housing Options Triage Team, providing front-line housing advice and homelessness assessments. The role focuses on managing homeless and threatened-with-homelessness cases, making legally robust decisions in line with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, and delivering high-quality advice and support to customers.
Key Responsibilities
• Act as a Triage Officer, dealing with same-day homeless approaches.
• Assess homelessness applications in accordance with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
• Manage a varied caseload of customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
• Provide clear, accurate housing advice and homelessness prevention support.
• Make statutory homelessness decisions, including not homeless and not eligible determinations.
• Draft and issue clear, concise, and legally compliant statutory decision letters.
• Negotiate with landlords, partner agencies, and internal stakeholders to resolve housing issues.
• Record casework accurately using the Jigsaw housing system.
• Work independently, prioritising workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential:
• In-depth knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
• Proven experience in a Housing Options, Homelessness, or Housing Advice role.
• Strong casework and decision-making experience within a local authority setting.
• Ability to manage a complex and diverse caseload independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce statutory decision letters.
Desirable:
• Experience using the Jigsaw housing management system.
• Experience working in a homelessness triage or front-door service.
Personal Attributes
• Confident and professional when dealing with vulnerable customers.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure.
• Organised, decisive, and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Selection Process
Interview via Microsoft Teams
