Housing Options Officer

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

The Housing Solutions Officer delivers a comprehensive, person-centred housing advice and homelessness prevention service in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. The role focuses on early intervention, working proactively with individuals and families at risk of homelessness to prevent housing crises, provide tailored housing solutions, and achieve sustainable long-term housing outcomes. The postholder manages a varied caseload, undertakes statutory homelessness assessments, and works collaboratively with internal teams, landlords, and partner agencies to ensure legal duties are met and customers receive effective support.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver housing advice and homelessness prevention services in line with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
• Assess households at risk of homelessness and develop personalised housing plans to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Conduct statutory homelessness assessments and make decisions under the relevant sections of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
• Provide clear advice on housing options, eligibility for assistance, and alternative accommodation.
• Negotiate with landlords, family members and other parties to prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies.
• Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring statutory timescales and quality standards are achieved.
• Arrange temporary or emergency accommodation where required and coordinate referrals to appropriate services.
• Maintain accurate case records, prepare legal decision letters, and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
• Work in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations to support customers with complex housing needs.
• Identify safeguarding concerns, fraud, or high-risk cases and make appropriate referrals.
• Participate in outreach work, home visits, duty rotas and the Out of Hours On-Call service as required.
• Contribute to service performance targets, including reducing homelessness and minimising the use of temporary accommodation.

Requirements

Essential

• Experience delivering homelessness prevention or housing advice services within a statutory housing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, including Prevention, Relief and Final Duty provisions.
• Experience managing complex casework and making legally robust housing decisions.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, private sector tenancy law and relevant case law.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with customers, landlords and partner organisations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to produce accurate records and clear written correspondence.
• Commitment to providing high-quality, customer-focused services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience using the Abritas housing management system.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or those with complex support needs.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and multi-agency working.
• Experience participating in emergency or out-of-hours housing services.

Additional Information

• Location: Office-based with community outreach and home visits as required.
• Hours per week: As per contract.
• Payment: Bi-weekly.
• Contract: Fixed-term for 6 months.