Housing Options Advisor

Housing Options Advisor 

£31,773 up to £34,072 per year inclusive annual salary + up to 19.7% employer pension contribution, plus car user allowance

Permanent, Full-time (37 hour per week)

Flexible working options

Job Ref: P1245

About the Role

In this post you will provide a high standard of housing advice, homelessness prevention, housing support and housing options to customers or their representatives requesting housing assistance.

This position offers the opportunity for a well organised, customer focused individual to join our team in this role. You will be working as part of a small team who are committed to delivering high standards of service to those in housing need.

About you

Educated to GCSE’s standard in Maths and English, you must also have a NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject or have at least one year’s relevant work experience together with an understanding of social housing.

You will be working in partnership with other officers in the team to successfully prevent and relieve homelessness through the appropriate assessment of viable Housing Options for applicants. This will involve mediation with families and friends, conducting referrals to various housing support organisations around the County, and working with other key stakeholders to prevent eviction.

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to: 

• 26.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.Please note: annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not have a standard full- time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days, e.g. part-timers 
• Local Government Pension Scheme with current employer contribution up to 19.7 percent employer contributions 
• Flexible working options 
• Staff Parking Permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via online platform

Additional Information 

• Disability Confident:

We are proud to be a and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post

• Safeguarding
  This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.

• English Fluency
  The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here. 

For an informal discussion, please contact John Frost, Principal Strategic Housing Officer on (01727) 819443 or alternatively you can e-mail john.frost@stalbans.gov.uk.  

To apply     

• Please select the apply button on the vacancy and follow the steps below:
• Complete an online application and in the supporting statement section, ensure you explain what you would bring to the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. 
• Provide an up-to-date CV (no more than three sides of A4), explaining any gaps in employment.

A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.  

For more information about the role or to learn more about us visit  

Closing date for applications: 2nd  December 2024

Interviews are scheduled for w/c: 9^th December 2024 

NOTE:  Interviews are conducted throughout the application process.  We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

For full details visit recruitment@stalbans.gov.uk or telephone (01727) 819251 stating your details and the post reference number.