Housing Options Officer

We are looking for a Housing Options Officer to join the busy Housing Options Team on a permanent basis. Our team works with customers to assess their housing situation, establish and communicate the statutory duties owed and work with them prevent and relieve their homelessness to achieve positive outcomes.

We are looking for a pro-active individual who is able to take a creative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service to customers with housing problems. An ability to communicate clearly and effectively to customers, landlords, accommodation providers, partner organisations and other professionals whilst providing a high quality of service and customer care to all groups of the community is essential.

You will need to be efficient and effective in extracting relevant information from customers to produce accurate written assessments and housing plans in plain English so that customers are clear on the steps that both they and the Council will be taking and expected to take to resolve their housing situation.

Preference will be given to applicants who have worked in a Housing Options capacity but training will be provided to the right candidate who can demonstrate the qualities and skills required for this role. Successful shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of meeting the essential criteria in the job description and person specification and selection will focus on experienced candidates in the first instance.

Interviews will be held in person. A written test will be emailed to shortlisted applicants prior to their interview and will form part of the recruitment process.

This role will be part of an out of hours service on a rota basis within the Housing Options team for which an allowance will be paid.

For those starting on Scale F this will be when assessed as ready. However those starting on Scales G and H can expect to join the scheme. Please note the standby payment is currently under review and could be subject to change.

A Baseline Personnel Security Standard check is required as part of this role, and that will also entail the successful applicant undertaking a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Due to the sensitive nature of client contact, this role is exempt from being able to be considered on a job share basis.

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email seyi.adeyemi@crawley.gov.uk or call on 01293 438994.