Housing Options Officer – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Housing Options Officer (Homelessness – Singles / Families)

Department: Housing
Reports to: Housing Options Manager
DBS: Enhanced

Job Purpose

To deliver a high-quality frontline housing options and homelessness service focused on the prevention and relief of homelessness.

To assess and determine homelessness applications in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

To manage a caseload within either the Single Homeless or Families pathway, ensuring lawful decision-making and sustainable housing outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
  • Conduct detailed homelessness assessments and issue legally compliant decision letters (including Section 184 decisions).
  • Develop and monitor Personalised Housing Plans to prevent or relieve homelessness.
  • Negotiate with landlords, family members, housing associations and other providers to secure accommodation solutions.
  • Assess vulnerability, priority need, and safeguarding concerns, liaising with relevant services where required.
  • Facilitate access to temporary accommodation where a statutory duty is owed.
  • Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver coordinated support.
  • Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions are robust, evidence-based and defensible.

Person Profile (Summary)

  • Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing law.
  • Experience in statutory homelessness casework within a local authority or housing association.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage complex cases involving vulnerable households.
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to work to statutory deadlines.
  • Empathetic, resilient and solution-focused approach.