Housing Options Officer

£22.00 to £29.35 per hour, PAYE: £22.00 per hour Limited/Umbrella: £29.35 per hour

Contract

Full time

No

29/03/2026

Neway International are seeking a Housing Options Officer to join our client based with Somerset Council.

Hours:

37 per week.

Start Date:

16 March 2026. End Date: 01 April 2026 (Likely to be extended).

Employment Type:

Temporary. PAYE: £22.00 per hour Limited/Umbrella: £29.35 per hour.

About the Client:
Somerset Council supports approximately 7,000 households each year with housing‑related issues and works closely with a wide range of internal teams and external partners. Their Housing Options service plays a vital role in preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable applicants, and ensuring statutory compliance across all housing duties. The team operates within a high‑demand environment and is committed to delivering accessible, fair, and effective housing advice.

• Provide advice on homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights and security of tenure.
• Communicate with applicants and representatives via phone, email and written correspondence.
• Make enquiries, gather evidence and complete verification checks to support decision making.
• Progress all homelessness applications (Part
  7) in line with legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Progress housing applications (Part
  6) under the Homefinder Somerset scheme.
• Carry out assessments of circumstances, needs and risks, identifying causes of homelessness and support requirements.
• Create personalised housing plans to help applicants secure or retain accommodation.
• Make statutory decisions within required timescales, ensuring full legislative compliance.
• Maintain accurate, timely and secure case notes and records.
• Assist applicants to access private rented accommodation, including assessing financial eligibility for bond or deposit schemes.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners including mental health services, police, landlords, voluntary organisations, MAPPA and MARAC. Visit applicants in their homes where required.
• Participate in occasional evening, weekend or on‑call duties to respond to emergencies.

• Essential
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work sensitively with a wide range of people in varied circumstances.
• Ability to manage applicant expectations realistically.
• Strong caseload management skills with attention to detail.
• Accurate and timely record‑keeping.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Fluent English (Immigration Act 2016 requirement). Education to A‑Level standard or equivalent NVQ Level 4.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Resourceful, solution‑focused and persuasive.
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
• Desirable
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Suitability Order 2012). Knowledge of landlord and tenant law.
• Understanding of housing options for those at risk of homelessness.
• Knowledge of data protection requirements.
• Understanding of equality and diversity in a housing context.
• Experience with in a Housing Options team, housing association or local authority.
• Experience supporting vulnerable applicants.
• Experience of partnership working leading to positive outcomes.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).