Housing Options Officer

Contract to start ASAP

Duration: 10 weeks with a possible extension.

Housing Options Officer

Somerset Council
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Temporary, 10 weeks — 19 October 2026 to 27 December 2026
Pay Rate: £29.35 per hour — Umbrella
Location: County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Help Residents Access Housing Advice and Prevent Homelessness

We're recruiting an experienced and compassionate Housing Options Officer to support Somerset Council, helping individuals and families understand their housing options, address housing difficulties, and access appropriate support.

This role combines housing advice, homelessness prevention, case management, and partnership working. You'll work with residents to understand their circumstances, identify practical solutions, and help them take steps towards suitable and sustainable accommodation.

You'll liaise with Council colleagues, landlords, housing providers, and support organisations to provide a coordinated, person-centred service.

About the Role

As a Housing Options Officer, you'll support residents who are experiencing housing difficulties, are at risk of homelessness, or need assistance exploring alternative accommodation.

You'll manage a caseload, assess individual circumstances, develop housing action plans, and maintain accurate records. The role requires strong communication skills, sound professional judgement, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and confidence.

What you'll be doing:

• Providing housing advice and guidance, helping residents understand their options and identify appropriate next steps.
• Assessing housing needs and individual circumstances, gathering relevant information and evidence to inform casework.
• Supporting homelessness prevention and resolution, working with residents and relevant partners to explore practical housing solutions.
• Developing personalised housing action plans, agreeing achievable actions and reviewing progress with residents.
• Managing an allocated caseload, prioritising urgent situations, arranging follow-up contact, and progressing cases effectively.
• Liaising with landlords, housing providers, and support services, helping address housing difficulties and sustain accommodation where possible.
• Supporting access to temporary accommodation or other housing assistance where appropriate, working with the relevant teams and following service procedures.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential case records, documenting assessments, advice, actions, referrals, and outcomes.
• Recognising safeguarding concerns and additional support needs, making appropriate referrals and escalating concerns through the correct channels.
• Contributing to effective service delivery, providing clear updates, managing competing priorities, and ensuring thorough case handovers.

Requirements

We're looking for a proactive, organised, and empathetic individual with experience in housing advice, homelessness services, or a related field.

You'll be comfortable supporting people experiencing difficult circumstances, explaining information clearly, and working with different organisations to help resolve housing problems.

You'll ideally have:

• Experience working in housing options, homelessness prevention, housing advice, or a related service.
• Knowledge of relevant housing and homelessness legislation, with the ability to apply service guidance appropriately.
• Experience assessing housing needs and managing casework, including gathering evidence and maintaining clear records.
• Experience supporting people with complex needs or facing housing insecurity, using a respectful and non-judgemental approach.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage sensitive conversations and explain options clearly.
• Experience working with landlords, housing providers, local authorities, or support agencies.
• Good organisational and IT skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate information on case management systems.
• An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively, recognising when to seek guidance or escalate concerns.

Applicants should have the right to work in the UK, be available for the stated assignment period, and be able to attend the required work location. Relevant references and any required pre-employment checks will need to be completed.

Why Apply

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to residents facing housing difficulties, helping them access advice, understand their options, and work towards greater housing stability.

The role offers varied work across housing advice, homelessness prevention, case management, and partnership working. You'll have the opportunity to apply your experience within a Council service focused on supporting residents and addressing housing need.

Additional Information

Customer: Somerset Council
Job Title: Housing Options Officer
Employment Type: Temporary
Positions Available: 1
Job Location: County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Hours: 37 hours per week
Target Start Date: 19 October 2026
Target End Date: 27 December 2026
Contract Duration: 10 weeks
Pay Rate: £29.35 per hour — Umbrella
Working Arrangement: To be confirmed

Job Types: Full-time, temporary
Pay: £29.35 per hour — Umbrella

Application Questions

• Please describe your experience in housing options, homelessness prevention, housing advice, or a similar service.
• Do you have experience assessing housing needs, managing a caseload, and developing personalised housing action plans?
• Please confirm your current location and your ability to travel reliably to County Hall, Taunton.
• Are you available to start on 19 October 2026 and remain available throughout the assignment, ending 27 December 2026?

Experience

Housing options, homelessness prevention, or housing advice: Desirable.
Case management and supporting residents with housing difficulties: Desirable.
Local authority or public-sector experience: Desirable.

Work Authorisation

United Kingdom: Required.

Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

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