Housing Options Officer

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

Job Location:

Bracknell Forest - UK

Monthly Salary: £ 37 - 37

Experience Required: 1-3years

Posted on: 22-10-2025

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

2-3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join the Housing team on a temporary basis.

The successful candidate will assess and manage homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. This role focuses on preventing homelessness through early intervention advice negotiation and effective partnership working.

The postholder will provide housing advice assess applications for housing assistance and support residents to secure or retain suitable accommodation.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with statutory requirements under the Housing Act 1996 and Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

Provide detailed housing advice to customers on tenancy rights eviction prevention domestic abuse and access to the housing register.

Create and monitor Personal Housing Plans (PHPs) to support clients in securing or maintaining suitable housing.

Work proactively with landlords private and social housing providers and partner agencies to prevent homelessness.

Conduct financial assessments to ensure affordability and liaise with welfare teams to maximise income and benefits.

Undertake home visits risk assessments and attend multi-agency meetings (e.g. MARAC MATAC S47).

Maintain accurate records on housing management systems (preferably Abritas) and produce statutory decision letters (s184 notifications).

Participate in the housing options duty rota including phone triage and face-to-face appointments.

Skills/Experience:

Proven experience in homelessness prevention and housing advice within a local authority or similar setting.

In-depth knowledge of Housing legislation particularly the Housing Act 1996 Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and related case law.

Strong understanding of housing options tenancy law and welfare benefits.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills ability to engage with vulnerable clients and external agencies effectively.

Competence using housing case management systems (experience with Abritas preferred).

Strong report writing and decision-making skills including writing statutory s184 decision letters.

Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload within tight deadlines.

Additional Information:

Basic DBS is required.

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (for home visits).

Hours: 37 hours per week Monday to Friday (08:30 17:00).

Office attendance: Required once a week initially for face-to-face appointments.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in homelessness prevention and housing advice within a local authority or similar -depth knowledge of Housing legislation particularly the Housing Act 1996 Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and related case law. Strong understanding of housing options tenancy law and welfare benefits. Excellent communication and negotiation skills ability to engage with vulnerable clients and external agencies effectively. Competence using housing case management systems (experience with Abritas preferred). Strong report writing and decision-making skills including writing statutory s184 decision letters. Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload within tight deadlines.

2-3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: Bracknell Forest Borough Council is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join the Housing team on a temporary basis. The successful candidate will assess and manage homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 ...