Housing Options Officer

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with experience of working in a housing role in a local authority, housing association or other agency and a good understanding of the Housing Act 1996 (as ammended), to join our busy Housing Options team. 
Working in our small and friendly office you will assist people requiring advice or who are in housing need, homeless or facing homelessness.
This pivotal role will be responsible for woking alongside the ‘Triage’ officer, dealing with homeless applicants on the day and you will need to have a proven track record in homelessness prevention through a pro-active and innovative approach to problem solving. Working within the amended legislation as set out in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 you will interview, assess and be responsible for the issuing of Personal Housing Plans. Previous experience of front line interviewing within a demanding housing environment is therefore essential.
Working with colleagues and partners, you will work to firstly keep customers in their existing home and, should that not be possible, to help them find alternatives that prevent them becoming homeless.
This will include negotiation with family and friends to discuss eviction issues as well as landlords and letting agents. It will involve liaising with other agencies to ensure that an individual is supported as much as possible to deal with any issues they may have which are impacting on their situation. You will develop good relationships and work in partnership with a range of local agencies to ensure that we maximise the options available to those in housing need.
We are looking for a team player capable of working in a busy and varied environment, who will be innovative and resourceful in solving housing issues and identifying housing options for people. You will be customer-focused, empathetic and creative with a commitment to working in partnership with internal and external contacts to ensure a high quality and efficient service.
The service is fast paced and deals with very challenging, complex and difficult clients at times. The successful candidate will have to demonstrate excellent mediation and coaching skills to build up a positive rapport with customers that motivates them to take responsibility for their own situation and work with the council. It also requires strong negotiation and person skills to work with landlords and third parties.
Empathy and understanding are key to building relationships and this is about helping people when they are in crisis so we are looking for strong people skills, enquiring and curious minds and the ability to communicate effectively.
You should be highly literate and numerate with excellent communication, organisational and IT skills and a natural aptitude for dealing with any situation.
We are a small local authority developing new and progressive approaches to housing service delivery. You will have exposure to a wide range of housing practices in your role and have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in many areas of local authority housing operations. 
In addition, we will offer training and support to further your personal and career development.
You will also will benefit from 23 days annual leave (extended to 28 days after 5 years’ local government service), subsidised gym membership and car parking, entitlement to join the local government pension scheme and non-contributory life assurance.
If you would like to discuss this role further please email Simon Coles, Housing Options Manager at scoles@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Closing Date:     12/01/2025             

Interview Date:    21/01/2025