Housing Options Officer

Charlcombe, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries.

These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Contract: 10 Week Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid (Primarily Remote)

Somerset Council is on the lookout for a skilled Housing Options Officer to join our team on a 10-week contract. This pivotal role involves providing essential advice and support to individuals facing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. The primary goal is to prevent homelessness by exploring viable housing solutions, assessing statutory obligations, and collaborating with various agencies to secure long-term housing stability.

While the position is mainly remote, occasional home visits within the designated area are necessary.

• Offer guidance to those who are homeless or at risk.
• Clarify housing rights, options, tenure rights, and relevant legislation.
• Assist applicants in securing and maintaining appropriate housing.
• Communicate effectively through phone, email, letter, and in-person meetings.

• Conduct thorough assessments of housing situations and support needs.
• Identify causes of homelessness or potential threats.
• Perform investigations and verification checks.
• Collect supporting information from applicants and partner organizations.
• Create and update Personalised Housing Plans.
• Aid applicants in completing actions to prevent or alleviate homelessness.
• Ensure plans are realistic, achievable, and tailored to individual needs.

• Manage homelessness applications under:
  • Housing Act 1996
  • Homelessness Act 2002
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Prevention Duty
• Relief Duty
• Interim Accommodation Duty
• Deliver timely and legally compliant decisions.

• Process housing applications under Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings.
• Maintain accurate records and assessments.
• Ensure timely completion of applications.

• Collaborate with:
  • Children's Services
  • Adult Social Care
  • Housing Benefits Teams
  • Registered Providers
  • Mental Health Services
  • DWP
  • Police
  • Substance Misuse Services
  • Domestic Abuse Services
  • Voluntary Organizations
• Refer to specialist support services as needed.

• Help applicants secure private rented sector…