Bracknell Forest Council
Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract)
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Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract)
Housing Options Officer
(12-month Fixed Term Contract)
Role Overview
Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live. As a Housing Options Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in preventing homelessness and supporting residents through life’s most challenging circumstances.
This rewarding role uses your empathy, judgement and compassion to make a lasting difference. You’ll work directly with residents to:
- Understand their needs and circumstances
- Explore practical housing options
- Help them stay stable, safe and independent
Your impact will be profound—whether securing housing for at-risk families, stabilising tenancies or connecting people with essential support. We’ll provide training, mentorship and flexibility to develop your housing law knowledge, casework expertise, and career within a supportive council environment.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
- Provide homelessness prevention services by offering high-quality housing advice and support to vulnerable households
- Assess homelessness applications in line with Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Conduct comprehensive housing needs assessments and create tailored Personal Housing Plans
- Manage diverse casework while delivering a customer-focused service within statutory deadlines
- Collaborate with partner agencies (e.g. Social Care, Probation, voluntary sector) to prevent homelessness and reduce rough sleeping
Daily Work
- Flexible hybrid working (1 day per week at Time Square, Bracknell)
- Face-to-face interactions, remote casework and proactive community engagement
- Varied caseload reflecting real-life complexities of housing support
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Secondments Policy
Internal candidates will be temporary placements. Refer to Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy (consult your manager).
About You
Essential Qualities
✔ Empathetic and resilient—able to connect with people navigating crisis ✔ Judgement and discretion—offering clear, practical advice under pressure ✔ Strong Mental Health Awareness to guide vulnerable individuals
Experience & Skills
- Direct experience in housing/ homelessness support (preferred)
- Housing law knowledge—familiarity with:
- Proven communication skills—building trust, advising, negotiating
- Organisational aptitude—managing statutory deadlines and complex records
Requirements
- Current UK residence (for employment eligibility)
- Candidates requiring sponsorship—apply only if certificate of sponsorship eligibility aligns with organisation policy (case-by-case basis)
The Team
A collaborative, problem-solving team focused on:
- Co-designing solutions with residents
- Supporting the rough sleeper strategy in Bracknell Forest
You’ll work closely with:
- Children’s Services
- Adult Social Care
- Probation, hospitals and charities
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Qualities that Fit Us
Bracknell Forest Council’s core values: 🔹 Inclusive—every voice is valued 🔹 Ambitious—advancing excellence in housing 🔹 Always learning—so you can grow, too
Our Benefits
- Leave: 28 days (33 days after 3 years) + optional buy/sell scheme
- Flexibility: Hybrid working—office one day/week
- Wellbeing:
- Pension/salary sacrifice
- Paid volunteering & employee support programs
- Sports/ social club
Process for Prospective Employees
✅ All interviews: In-person, week commencing 20th July 2026 ✅ Reasonable adjustments available on request ✅ Disability confident recruitment—automatic interview meeting criteria
Contact for queries: Michele Keegel (01344 351355) Emma Thomas (01344 351352)
Additional Notes
- No use of AI permitted in application or interview
- Equal Opportunities—applications from all backgrounds welcome
Job Details
- Employer: Bracknell Forest Council
- Salary: £37,092 – £41,506 per annum (LW included)
- Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid)
- Contract: Temporary
- Hours: 37 hrs (Flexible)
- DBS Check: Required
Next Steps
📂 Full details in Candidate Pack
Opening Date: Now Closing Date: 12/07/2026 (23:59)
🔗 Apply Online or [Job Ref: People/26/340456]
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