Housing Options Officer-Band 8

Job Role - Housing Options Officer
Location - Darlington
Job Type - Ongoing
Hourly Rate - £16.62 - £21.02 per hour
Working Pattern - Monday to Friday 37 Hours per week - Hybrid

Job Purpose

To provide housing advice on all available housing options and manage a caseload of homelessness applications. The post holder will investigate claims of homelessness and potential homelessness, arrange temporary accommodation when required, and support people to secure suitable longer-term housing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide information, advice, support and assistance to people in housing need
• Advise on all housing options including council housing, housing associations, specialist providers and the private rented sector
• Record homelessness applications and interview homeless or potentially homeless applicants
• Investigate circumstances, verify information, complete case reports and make recommendations
• Manage casework and negotiate with applicants, landlords and partner agencies to prevent homelessness
• Carry out home visits and basic property inspections
• Arrange temporary accommodation when required
• Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota to respond to homelessness emergencies
• Liaise with internal departments and statutory and voluntary agencies
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings

Essential Requirements

• Approx. 2 years' experience working in housing, social care, or a related field
• Knowledge and experience of homelessness legislation
• Understanding of housing issues, including health and disability considerations
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and liaising with partner agencies
• Ability to manage a caseload and work under pressure, prioritising to meet deadlines
• Strong decision-making skills, working in line with housing policies and procedures
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and guidance
• IT literate, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Office packages
• Willingness and ability to participate in out-of-hours on-call duties
• Capable of independent travel to carry out home visits and other duties