Housing Options Officer

£24,313 - £26,317 per annum

37 hours per week

Benefits to you:

• Essential User Car Allowance
• 21 days holiday rising to 26 days after 5 years continuous service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexitime Scheme
• Discounted Leisure Centre Membership
• Free Parking

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Housing Division’s Housing Options and Lettings team for a pro-active individual capable of delivering positive outcomes for our customers.  As a Housing Options Officer, you will be working with customers to assess their housing circumstances in accordance with the Council’s Lettings Scheme and providing advice about the housing options available to them. 

You will see homeless applicants, assess their needs and deliver the services required for the prevention and relief statutory duties and keep cases under review.  This will include undertaking a needs assessment of the household and developing personal housing plans to achieve a positive outcome. You will work closely with partner agencies to provide support services for applicants as well as establishing a network of contacts to assist with providing a comprehensive advice and options service for customers.

You will require experience of assessing customer’s circumstances for access to services and a working knowledge of homelessness legislation is essential.  You will have the ability to make decisions in accordance with homelessness legislation and be able to convey this to applicants, offering appropriate advice and support to ensure they are not homeless.  Excellent customer service skills and experience of working in front line customer services is essential.  You will also require excellent communications skills, both written and oral with the ability to present information clearly in a way that promotes understanding. 

Working as part of a small team, you will be able to work under pressure and be able to plan and manage your workload.  You will have a positive and approachable manner and the ability to work flexibly.  A positive and pro-active approach to dealing with challenging issues is essential. Use of a car for work and a valid driving licence are essential to this role.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and, as such, appointment will be conditional upon receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service, before the appointment is confirmed.  This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. A Standard Disclosure will be required.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Should you require further information about this position, please contact Helen Parton, Housing Services Manager on (01827) 719494 or Mandy Rashid, Housing Options and Lettings Team Leader on (01827) 719313.

Application forms can be obtained by telephoning (01827) 715341 (24 hour answer service) or by visiting the Councils website www.northwarks.gov.uk/jobs