Housing Options Officer

Overview

As a Housing Options Officer, you help prevent homelessness by guiding individuals and families to sustainable housing solutions across North Yorkshire. You will assess cases, develop personalised housing plans, and provide practical advice on social housing, private rentals, and other options. The role involves collaborating with partners, visiting communities, and managing caseloads to deliver a professional, customer-focused service. This position offers meaningful impact in a county-wide housing needs service, with opportunities to work across teams and support vulnerable residents.

Responsibilities

• Assess homelessness applications and determine statutory duties under homelessness legislation
• Develop personalised housing plans to prevent or relieve homelessness
• Provide advice on housing options including social housing, private rented accommodation, and other housing solutions
• Negotiate with landlords, lenders, family members and support agencies to prevent homelessness
• Support vulnerable customers through complex and challenging circumstances
• Carry out home visits and customer appointments across the county
• Collaborate with partner organisations including social care, health services, voluntary organisations and housing providers
• Manage casework from initial enquiry through to resolution and maintain accurate records in line with data protection requirements

Key requirements

• Customer-focused and empathetic
• Able to assess individual circumstances and identify practical solutions
• Capable of sound decisions based on evidence, policy and legislation
• Resilient and professional when working with distressed individuals
• Effective communicator with negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Organised, self-motivated and able to manage a varied caseload
• Comfortable with IT and using a range of systems and digital tools
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Desirable knowledge of Housing Options Service and relevant housing legislation

• Empathy
• Resilience
• Communication
• Relationship-building
• Organization
• IT systems and digital tools

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