Housing Options Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Housing Options Officer to join us!

This is a full-time, permanent role with a mix of home and office working, and a salary of £32,002 - £40,401 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. It is a unitary authority in the Royal County of Berkshire providing a range of services through both in-house and commissioned providers. We are set in a major cultural and tourism area with attractions including Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Housing Options Officer to join our Housing Options team.

The Role:

To see customers in relation to housing issues and understand their needs, provide advice, and seek solutions.  To deliver an effective and efficient Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention, and statutory Homelessness service to meet the Royal Borough’s responsibilities.

Your role will involve:

• To deliver an excellent customer service which provides the customer with an appropriate and suitable solution to their housing issues and ensures a high level of customer satisfaction.
• To provide housing advice face to face, by phone and online in relation to Housing Options and prevention enquiries to customers in any of the building used by the Royal Borough to deliver customer services.
• To carry out home visits in cases of parental / relative eviction
• To conduct outreach visits at customers home, prison, hostel, hospital, or any other locations in-line with documented procedures

What we are looking for:

• To assess all homelessness approaches within the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Localism Act 2011 including cases for acceptance, refusal, or referral to other Authorities.
• To make relevant decisions and issue legally correct decision letters in accordance with the timeframes set out with the HRA 2017 and the housing Act 1996 Part VII
• To provide expert advice and assistance to stakeholders, advocates and customers experiencing housing issues particularly those living in the private rented sector, and to be proactive in the prevention of homelessness.
• To negotiate to resolve landlord/tenant disputes, seeking to conciliate wherever possible and ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and remedial options.
• Achieve individual performance objectives, targets and service standards and contribute to the achievement of team plan objectives and targets.
• Manage a caseload and maintain accurate and detailed case file records. In addition, manage priorities and meet individual and service performance targets and deadlines.
• Update and record information accurately and in a timely manner as required, according to guidance and established procedures. Ensure customer and management information is accurate and up to date at all times.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave
• Local Government Pension scheme with up to 12.5% employee contribution (depending on your salary) and 16.6% employer contribution.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice, and information.
• A range of flexible benefits including salary sacrifice schemes and discounted rates for a variety of goods and services.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Closing date: 16 June 2024.

Interview date: TBC.