Housing Options Officer

**Why should I choose Somerset Council?**
Well, for a start, we’re a hugely ambitious council, committed to improving lives for the residents, communities and businesses of Somerset.

And that’s why we’re working so hard to build a sustainable organisation with a culture that rewards, values and recognises our staff, and gives everyone here the opportunity to grow and develop, personally and professionally.

We are focused on continuing to improve our housing services, including reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation, increasing housing options available to residents, reducing rough sleeping, developing an enhanced private sector offer and improving the service we deliver to our customers. There has never been a better time to join us in Somerset as we work to deliver **high quality, innovative, people-focused and value for money services**.

So, if you’re looking for a place where your work truly matters - where YOU truly matter - we might be just right for you.

We also promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including a hybrid way of working between our recently refurbished office and home. Part-time options are considered.
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**What will I be doing?**
Your day-to-day work will involve:

- **Helping people find and maintain safe and affordable housing.**:

- Providing people with a wide range of advice on tenancy rights, housing options and other related issues such as debt and welfare benefits.
- Carrying out assessments to identify housing needs and how best to support the applicant, **creating a personalised housing plan** to help them retain or find accommodation.
- Managing your own caseload, prioritising tasks, and working independently with mínimal supervision.
- Conducting home visits and attending professionals’ meetings in order to verify information regarding an applicant’s housing need.

As Somerset is a rural county, access to / use of a vehicle is an essential requirement for the role.*

**What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?**

*We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Are able to work under pressure.
- Are resourceful and skilled at negotiation.
- Have experience dealing with customers, preferably in a housing related environment.
- A proven ability to manage difficult situations whilst remaining calm, friendly, and professional along with experience of working with individuals who are under stress and emotional because they could be living in challenging housing conditions.

Knowledge of homeless legislation and experience in housing is an advantage, but full training can be provided for those with transferable skills.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

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**What will I be offered in return?**
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

- We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Staff discounts in gyms.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
- My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

**Anything else I should know?**

The salary for this role is Grade 11 ranging from £28,371 to £32,020 per annum.

If you see Somerset County Council referenced anywhere in this advert or it’s supporting documents, please assume we are referring to Somerset Council. The advertised job description, pay and terms and conditions remain the same.

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**DBS information**
In this role you will require a criminal background check via Disclosure and Barring Service.
Job Reference: SCC04175

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £28,371.00-£32,020.00 per year

Work Location: In person