Housing Options Officer x2, West Lothian Civic Centre, 485.84 - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Job Advert

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Applications for this post will only be accepted from current employees of West Lothian Council (this includes casual and agency staff who are currently undertaking work for us)

We have exciting opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Housing Access Team to help make a difference to the lives of people who are either experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

As a Housing Options Officer within a high demand, high performing team tasked with delivering the council’s housing options service in order to meet the needs of individuals or families identified as being at risk, including those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will do this through providing a comprehensive range of housing options and assessment services to meet the statutory homeless and support needs of individuals and families. This will include undertaking the statutory homeless presentation and assessment where required, and in full compliance with policy, practice and regulatory codes of guidance.

The Housing Need Service operates a prevention first model of service delivery, and Housing Options Officers are responsible for assisting those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, identifying risks and opportunities through housing options interviews, working with our partners to undertake interventions with the aim of preventing homelessness and sustaining safe accommodation wherever possible.

In order to achieve this, the post holder will be expected to deliver a programme of advice and support activities for customers, whilst ensuring that individuals/households housing needs are identified and appropriate action is taken either directly with officers through case management, or by making referrals to specialist support and advice providers.

The post holder will promote a person-centred approach through assessment to build capacity for individuals and families to where possible prevent homelessness and achieve sustainable outcomes. Officers are required to undertake home visits and office interviews throughout West Lothian, and will work in council buildings on a rota basis, and will be expected to deliver services face to face, virtually, and occasionally with travel required.

Officers will work closely with other services and teams responsible for supporting and managing the accommodation and tenancies of homeless applicants, and will be expected to successfully maintain a live homeless caseload, seeking solutions and good outcomes for applicants.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY