Housing Options Officer

3 Month Contract With A local Authority Job Purpose To provide a comprehensive housing options and homelessness prevention service, ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The postholder will assess homelessness applications, provide housing advice, develop Personal Housing Plans and work proactively with customers and partner agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

The role requires effective case management, housing law knowledge and strong partnership-working skills to secure positive outcomes for vulnerable households.

Key Responsibilities

Assess homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Conduct prevention and relief duty assessments and make statutory homelessness decisions. Work proactively with clients to prevent homelessness and sustain existing accommodation wherever possible.

Develop and maintain personalised housing solutions for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Prepare and implement Personal Housing Plans (PHPs). Negotiate with: Landlords Family Members Friends Housing Providers Statutory and Voluntary Agencies Assist clients in securing alternative accommodation where homelessness cannot be prevented.

Undertake comprehensive affordability and financial assessments. Work closely with Welfare Services and other support teams to maximise household income and benefit entitlement. Provide specialist housing advice on: Homelessness Domestic Abuse Tenancy Rights Eviction Housing Register Applications Housing Options Assess and review housing register applications.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer records and case management information. Carry out home visits where required, including visits involving homelessness presentations from family or relationship breakdowns. Work with Housing Management Officers to complete risk assessments for temporary accommodation placements.

Make referrals to support services and safeguarding agencies where appropriate. Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings including: MARAC MATAC Section 47 Meetings Case Conferences Work collaboratively with internal teams to support a One Council approach to service delivery. Ensure compliance with housing legislation, policies and procedures.

Maintain high standards of customer care and professional practice.

Requirements

Essential Experience working within Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention or Housing Advice Services. Strong knowledge of: Housing Act 1996 Part VII Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Homelessness Prevention Duties Housing Register Processes Temporary Accommodation Procedures Experience completing homelessness assessments and statutory decisions.

Experience developing Personal Housing Plans. Experience undertaking affordability and financial assessments. Experience negotiating with landlords and external agencies. Knowledge of welfare benefits and housing affordability issues. Experience working with vulnerable households and complex cases. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent case management and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines. Experience working in partnership with external agencies and support services. Desirable Experience attending MARAC, MATAC or safeguarding meetings. Experience working with domestic abuse cases. Knowledge of housing management and temporary accommodation services.

Experience conducting home visits and tenancy sustainment work. Local Authority Housing experience. Additional Information Location: Bracknell Forest

• Hybrid Working (Office Attendance Required Once Per Week) Hours Per Week: 37 Hours Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments