Accommodation Options Officer

Accommodation Options Officer
Contract: 3 months initially, ongoing Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week onsite
Interview: Face-to-face interview onsite
Sector: Local Authority / Housing
Rate: £31.07 per hour umbrella 

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Accommodation Options Officer to join a busy local authority housing service on an initial 3-month contract, with the potential for ongoing work.
The successful candidate will work closely with residents who have a history of rough sleeping, helping them move on from supported accommodation into the private rented sector (PRS). You will also work proactively with households at risk of homelessness, helping to prevent rough sleeping and secure suitable, sustainable accommodation.
This is a varied role covering homelessness prevention, housing options, temporary accommodation placements, PRS access and move-on.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to identify suitable housing solutions.
• Support residents with a history of rough sleeping to move on from supported accommodation into the PRS.
• Take proactive steps to prevent homelessness and reduce the need for temporary accommodation.
• Assess household circumstances, housing needs, affordability, risks and support requirements.
• Assess accommodation suitability in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Provide housing options advice and make appropriate recommendations based on legislation, policy and available evidence.
• Negotiate with landlords, households and family networks to prevent homelessness where possible.
• Identify and secure short-term accommodation and PRS alternatives.
• Support prevention lets and private rented sector access.
• Arrange emergency and temporary accommodation where a statutory duty is owed.
• Allocate accommodation including B&Bs, hostels, nightly lets, PSLs and other temporary accommodation schemes.
• Support move-on from temporary and supported accommodation into settled housing.
• Make appropriate referrals to specialist services, including domestic abuse, NRPF, Adult Social Care and mental health services.

About You:

• Previous experience working with homeless households.
• A good understanding of the causes and complexities of rough sleeping.
• Experience of homelessness prevention and housing options.
• Experience assessing accommodation suitability under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Experience with temporary accommodation and/or private rented sector access.
• Good knowledge of homelessness legislation and statutory duties.
• Strong assessment, decision-making and case management skills.
• Experience managing complex or challenging customer cases.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• The ability to work effectively with landlords, providers and partner agencies.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Housing Options / Homelessness Officer to join a busy local authority service, with the potential for the contract to continue beyond the initial 3 months.
If you have strong homelessness experience and are confident working across prevention, PRS, temporary accommodation and move-on, we would be keen to hear from you.

To apply, please send your updated CV for consideration.