Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract)

Bracknell Forest Council

  • Bracknell, Berkshire
  • £34,634-38,912 per year
  • Temporary
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Make a difference in Bracknell Forest by actively preventing homelessness. Have a direct impact on improving the lives of households facing the risk homelessness in the borough.We are strong believers that everyone has the right to a safe and suitable home.Lots of organisations say you can make a difference. Here, everything we do is about helping our most vulnerable residents from becoming homeless. You'll be given plenty of responsibility right from the start and will be empowered to help define a person's journey. You will work with those in need and help shape how our residents find safe and suitable accommodation.At the same time, we'll make sure you have all the training and support you need. Make your future about shaping tomorrow. Because we're Bracknell Forest.What it's like working in our team…You will be joining a dynamic, friendly, and solution-based Housing Options Team delivering proactive advice and assistance to households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.The work is fast paced and innovative, sometimes the work is challenging however there is also time for finding creative solutions and every day is different.You will work alongside the Rough Sleeper and Single Homelessness Team whose mission is to eradicate rough sleeping in Bracknell Forest.You will be supported to carry out the following duties, responsibilities, and training…As a Housing Options Officer you will be responsible for providing help and comprehensive advice to households who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by assisting them to retain their existing accommodation or secure alternative housing.To consider and assess homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII (as amended by the Homeless Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017)To provide a customer focussed approach ensuring that a full housing needs assessments has been undertaken, all statutory notifications and Personal Housing Plans are published to help customers secure housing.In addition, you will be working in partnership with other specialist agencies, including Children and Adult Services, Probation, Hospitals, and voluntary organisations to prevent homelessness.The benefits you will experience are…
  • An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
  • Opportunities for flexible and agile working, we offer a hybrid model of working to promote flexible working around personal and family commitments.
  • Generous annual leave commencing at 28 days increasing after 3 years' service to
  • 33 days (pro rata for part time). With additional annual leave purchase policy.
  • Regular opportunities for development with internal and external training courses.
  • A great office location next to travel links and the regenerated town centre.
  • Internal sports and social club opportunities.
  • An extensive employee assistance programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
  • Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
  • Supermarket discount.
  • Local government pension scheme / Life insurance cover
What we're looking for…A passionate and self-motivated person with empathy and understanding to build relationships with customers when facing homelessness.Experience of problem solving and working with a diverse clientele within a housing environment. Excellent negotiating skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers and other stakeholders.Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying.Interview dateInterviews will be held on 09 May 2024Want to ask us a question?For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:Emma Thomas, Housing Options Team Leader: 01344 351352At Bracknell Forest we champion equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. As a Disability Confident Employer, please let us know if you need any adjustments at any point during the recruitment process by contacting our friendly recruitment team on recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.ukWe will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.Any candidates that are currently residing in the UK and wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria.No agencies please.Equal OpportunitiesBracknell Forest Council - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Bracknell Forest Council