Housing Options Officer / Homelessness Officer

We are looking for an experienced Housing Options Officer / Homelessness Officer to join a local authority housing service. This role is ideal for candidates with strong knowledge of homelessness prevention, housing advice, housing options, case management, and the Housing Act.

Key Details

Job Title: Housing Options Officer / Homelessness Officer

Sector: Local Authority Housing / Homelessness Prevention

Pay: £29.35ph umbrella

Hours: 37 per week

Contract: Temporary, 17 weeks

Start: 14 September 2026

Role Purpose

You'll provide front-line housing advice, homelessness prevention support and housing options assessments for applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

Provide housing advice on homelessness prevention, housing options, tenancy rights and security of tenure.

Assess homelessness applications and support applicants under relevant housing legislation.

Manage a busy housing caseload with accurate case notes, evidence and applicant records.

Identify practical housing solutions, including prevention, relief and move-on options.

Liaise with landlords, housing providers, local authority teams and external support agencies.

Communicate clearly with applicants by phone, email and letter.

Support vulnerable applicants with inclusive, person-centred and outcome-focused advice.

Essential Skills and Experience

Experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer or similar.

Strong local authority housing, homelessness prevention or housing advice experience.

Knowledge of homelessness assessments, applicant interviews and housing legislation.

Excellent case management, negotiation and customer service skills.

Confident working with vulnerable people and managing challenging conversations.

Highly organised, accurate and able to manage a busy caseload.

Fluent English, in line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.

A level standard or equivalent knowledge to NVQ Level 4.

Desirable Knowledge

Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Suitability Order 2012, landlord and tenant law, and security of tenure.

Housing options, homelessness relief, prevention duties and supported accommodation pathways.

Data protection, equality, diversity and safeguarding awareness in a housing advice setting.

Partnership working across housing, social care, voluntary sector and local authority services.

Why Apply?

This is a great opportunity for a housing options professional to support homelessness prevention, deliver quality housing advice and improve outcomes for residents across Somerset.

How to Apply

Apply today with your updated CV if you have experience in housing options, homelessness prevention, housing advice or local authority housing services.

DBHRSolutions is acting as the employment agency for this vacancy. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates