Housing Options Officer (Grade 11) – Housing
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon – Fri
Contract: 17-Week Temporary Contract (Start Date: 14 Sep 2026)
Location: County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Pay Rate: PAYE £22.00 per hour
About the Role
We're recruiting a Housing Options Officer to join the Council's Adult Services & Housing team. This is a temporary role covering absence, ideal for someone experienced in housing advice, homelessness prevention, and case management.
You'll provide advice, information, and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them explore housing options and secure suitable accommodation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Offering advice on homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights, and security of tenure
- Progressing homeless applications (Part 7) and housing applications (Part 6) in line with legislation and Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings scheme
- Carrying out detailed assessments of applicant circumstances and creating personalised housing plans
- Making decisions on duties owed (prevention, relief, interim) in compliance with legislation
- Maintaining accurate case notes and records in the case management system
- Assisting applicants to access private rented accommodation, including financial support via bond guarantee or rent deposit schemes
- Working with partners such as housing associations, landlords, police, health services, and voluntary organisations to prevent and reduce homelessness
- Visiting applicants in their homes when required and responding to emergencies outside normal hours
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone organised, resourceful, and confident in managing complex housing cases.
You'll ideally have:
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage diverse caseloads with precision and attention to detail
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Knowledge of homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017)
- Experience in housing options, housing associations, or local authority housing departments
- Experience of partnership working and supporting vulnerable applicants
- Education to A-Level or NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) with commitment to ongoing professional development
- Current driving licence and access to own vehicle
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Basic DBS clearance
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on homelessness prevention and housing solutions
- Varied caseload with meaningful community outcomes
- Short-term contract ideal for gaining specialist housing experience
- Remote working with flexibility and occasional field visits
Benefits
- Weekly Pay
- Company Pension
- Ongoing Agency Support
- Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Additional Information
- 5 Years Experience
- Basic DBS
- Eligibility to Work in UK
Reference: OR112852
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £22.00 per hour
Experience:
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: 1 year (required)
- Housing options: 5 years (required)
- manage diverse caseloads: 2 years (required)
- Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- driving licence (required)
- Basic DBS (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
