Housing Options Officer

All about the Role

We are looking for a Housing Options Officer to join our team on a fixed term contract until 31/03/2026. In this role, you will manage a caseload of single individuals or families where the Housing Advice and Outreach Service cannot resolve a housing need, and the household is homeless or at risk of homelessness within 56 days. You will be responsible for maintaining thorough notes and explaining decision-making processes as required by the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), including producing decision letters. Additionally, you will support individuals placed in relief duty and assist them in finding suitable and affordable accommodation, often adopting a multi-agency approach when necessary.

All about You

• In-depth understanding of Part VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Children's Act 1989, The Care Act 2014, and the Refugee Asylum Act 1999.
• Strong knowledge of housing law, including landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, legislation on lettings, homelessness, security of tenure, tenant rights, codes of guidance, case law, and best practices.
• Familiarity with a wide range of housing options and effective, evidence-based approaches to preventing homelessness.
• Comprehensive understanding of the causes of homelessness and the broader system of support services available.
• 5 GCSE's Grade C or 4 and above or equivalent 

All about our Benefits 
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme… 

• Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes 
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)  
• Access to car lease scheme 
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances 
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings 
• Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth 
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day 
• Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network 
• Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards 

All about our Commitments 
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk  we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.