Housing Options Officer - Slough Borough Council

Are you a Housing Options Officer looking for your next assignment? Slough Borough Council are looking for a Housing Options Officer to join their team on a contract basis!

See below ;

To actively support the prevention of Homelessness by providing a comprehensive Housing Options and advice service. In addition to this, fulfilling the statutory obligations in respect of Homelessness and access to Housing Solutions and work with, partner organisations.

Under the guidance of the Housing Needs Team Lead, the post-holder will be responsible for undertaking timely and appropriate assessments of applicants seeking support, from the Local Authority

Main Accountability's

· To investigate, assess, assist, advise and determine customers housing options, providing the Council's statutory obligations in relation to housing advice and homeless services including the s184 notifications and direct communication via phone, email or in person, with members of the public seeking support or advice.

· To negotiate with landlords, family members and other agencies, both statutory and non-statutory to find the best solutions to clients housing needs and seeking to prevent homelessness wherever possible
· To undertake comprehensive financial assessments to ensure accommodation is affordable and that where required to work closely with colleagues from the Welfare Service to maximise income application or changes to benefits are progressed in a timely manner
· To provide consistently high quality Housing Advice regarding complex and sensitive matters including but not limited to Domestic Abuse, tenancy rights and eviction or access to the housing register.
· To provide customers with robust Personal Housing Plans to ensure customers have the best chance to improve their housing options. Including wider support planning, linking with education, employment, health and other support providers and agencies.
· To provide verbal and written advice on a wide range of housing and related matters to anyone approaching the Council, working closely with other colleagues and partners.
· Ensure case management files are updated with details of all contact and case progression.
· To support diversity and inclusion across the service area in terms of service delivery and partnership working.

Corporate Accountabilities:
1. To take responsibility for maintaining own health and attendance.

2. To support, contribute and comply with quality and governance procedures as directed by management.

3. To apply and actively promote the principles of the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy in all areas of employment and service delivery.

4. Any other associated duties detailed by Head of Service or his representative.

5. To advise Line manager if, at any time, the above duties and responsibilities cannot be performed.

6. Any other duties as required to support the business, including maintaining business continuity and during civil emergencies.

7. To apply and actively promote the principles of the Council's Safeguarding Procedure in all areas of employment and service delivery.

Skills and Knowledge

• Able to accurately complete various forms relating to the recording of personal and statistical information and possessing a thorough understanding of the need for accuracy and confidentiality.
• Clear understanding of issues relating to equalities and diversity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to embrace change for continuing service improvement.
• Ability to prioritise, work under pressure to tight deadlines and good organisational skills.
• Conscientious, with an ability to work on your own initiative, self-motivated and able to problem-solve.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• A non-judgmental attitude with empathy for people who find themselves in a stressful housing situation

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.