Housing Options Officer

Can you help our homeless households overcome the barriers to keeping their current home or finding a new one?

Working within our Housing Solutions team we are looking for individuals to work with single-person households and families to support them to remain in their accommodation or find new homes.

The service is based in The Guildhall in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter and serves a large and diverse community. We have several hubs and you will work throughout West Northamptonshire as required.

We also have a part time position available, please state on your application your preference.
Our benefitsWe offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
Car Lease scheme
Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
Ongoing training and development opportunities.
A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

What will you be doing?You will work collaboratively with households at risk of homelessness to remove any barriers to their rehousing, review and update their personalised housing plan and minimise any stay in temporary accommodation.

You will assess if applicants are homeless, eligible for assistance, in priority need, and have a local connection with West Northamptonshire. Where appropriate, you will also consider if they are intentionally homeless.

You will issue legally compliant letters, referencing relevant guidance and case-law, and detailing the reason for your decisions.

You will be familiar and aware of local support agencies, health, and social services to ensure that we have sustainable and strong outcomes for families and vulnerable adults.
About youYou will have an organised approach to your work, making methodical and appropriate enquiries to confirm eligibility for housing assistance, homelessness, and priority need.

To meet the requirements of this challenging and exciting role, you will:

Be able to work in a fast-paced, demanding, front-line, people-focused service.
Have excellent negotiating and advocacy skills.
Have an understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act and the duties it places on housing authorities.
Be able to understand, interpret and apply statutory legislation and related case-law.
be organised and methodical with an interest in housing and homelessness, a strong team ethos and a desire to make a positive difference.

Want to know more or chat about our flexible and hybrid working? Please email our Housing Options Manager – kay.gilbert@westnorthants.gov.uk
About usWe're a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we're embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council  https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU

At West Northants Council, it's about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.