Full job descriptionPurpose of the Job

To work with the other five Senior Housing Options Advisers to supervise and manage small teams of Housing Options Advisers delivering specialist housing advice and case work within the Housing Advice and Options and Single Homelessness Services (this includes a triage function, and casework services for families and certain priority groups, and single people and childless couples), ensuring the delivery of high-quality, and customer-focused support that is compliant with statutory requirements.


To support and promote an inclusive, multi-agency problem-solving approach to tackling, preventing and reducing homelessness to increase efficiency, deliver better outcomes for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and improve value for money.


To support the Housing Options Advisors in the provision of housing advice, homelessness assessment, preventing and relieving homelessness in accordance with legislation, case law, guidance and policy, and hold a personal caseload of complex cases.


Assist the Team Leaders with the development, co-ordination, delivery and performance of a highly effective homelessness prevention, assessment and advice service for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness (through robust and effective delivery of triage and casework functions), and contribute positively to the development of new working practices and initiatives, and the improvement of existing practices, with the ultimate aim of upstream prevention, reducing homelessness, providing settled housing solutions and reducing the cost and use of temporary accommodation.


Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training
*Hold a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade A-C, a relevant housing qualification (CIH Level 4 Diploma or equivalent) or show an equivalent capability.


Experience and Knowledge
*Demonstratable experience at a senior officer level (or similar) within a local authority, housing association or voluntary organisation
*Extensive knowledge of Part 7 Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation, guidance and caselaw.
*Experience of working in a housing options / homelessness service
*Experience of handling complex cases and providing creative housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families.
*A good understanding and knowledge of the main causes of homelessness and rough sleeping, and the barriers that people face when trying to access accommodation and support services


Ability and Skills
*Spoken and written English fluency
*Ability to form and develop professional and effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and service users and work effectively and enthusiastically as part of a team
*Ability to manage a varied, complex caseload, and remain focussed on performance and outcomes
*Able to produce clear, concise and persuasive written reports on complex issues.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate
*Good analytical skills and ability to produce and interpret statistical information
*Excellent interpersonal skills and the emotional resilience to deal effectively with complex circumstances surrounding vulnerable people
*Excellent listening and interviewing skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate people to improve themselves and/or others
*A skilled problem-solver and negotiator with the ability to develop practical and creative housing solutions with an organised and imaginative approach to work and the ability to manage difficult and sensitive situations
*Ability to work well under pressure, on own initiative, and manage and prioritise own workload and team members when needed
*Effectively work with others to achieve a positive outcome by being proactive and solution focused
*IT and keyboard skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and maintain accurate records and case files.


Rate of Pay
PAYE: £30
Umbrella: £41.25


4 days per week - office based