Housing Options Adviser

• Location: Salford City Council
• Pay Rate £16.57 Per hr PAYE

We are looking for a dedicated Housing Options Officer to contribute to the efficient and effective management of our Housing Options Service. The role involves promoting and maintaining excellent standards of customer service, dealing with individual queries, preventing homelessness, and making informed decisions on homelessness enquiries. Knowledge of the allocations policy and Choice Based Lettings system is essential, as is the ability to manage cases referred to and moved on from Supported schemes.

• Provide efficient, effective, and responsive housing advice in person and by telephone on housing and homelessness issues.
• Offer information on a comprehensive range of housing options to prevent homelessness and assist clients in resolving their housing problems.
• Manage a caseload of 30 – 80 active cases, facilitating customer meetings and providing face-to-face support.
• Liaise with accommodation providers to arrange suitable offers of accommodation and complete all related paperwork.
• Communicate confidently with good interpersonal and organisational skills, handling exposure to challenging behaviours.
• Review ongoing casework, assisting with interventions and preventions of homelessness.
• Make decisions on homeless applications in line with legislation and issue detailed s184 decisions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the council’s allocations policy and provide accurate advice.
• Input, collate, and retrieve data from various IT systems, maintaining accurate customer records.
• Attend multi-agency meetings and undertake home visits as required.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in conflict resolution.
• Ability to organise and prioritise caseload effectively.
• Knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable people and available solutions.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of the Housing Act 1996 parts 6 and 7, and the Homelessness Act 2002.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and the importance of promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• Proven experience of successfully achieving KPIs/Targets.
• Previous experience dealing with vulnerable customers and managing challenging behaviours.
• Demonstrates a commitment to personal development and continuous learning.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Engaging work environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Supportive team and management structure.

To apply for the Housing Options Officer position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.