Housing Options Officer

Employer: Somerset Council
Location: Taunton, TA1 4DY
Salary: £29,542 – £33,119 per annum (Grade 12)
Retention Payment: £4,451, in accordance with the Council’s retention scheme
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 11 October 2026
Interview Dates: Week commencing 19 October 2026

Sponsorship Status

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Somerset Council states that it can only proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

About the Role

Somerset Council’s Housing Options Team supports people across Somerset who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

As a Housing Options Officer, you will work directly with residents to explore housing options, prevent homelessness where possible and help secure suitable, sustainable accommodation. The role involves working with residents, landlords, support services and community partners to achieve positive housing outcomes.

You will use your problem-solving skills, professional judgement and partnership-working experience while supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

• Support residents at risk of homelessness by identifying practical housing solutions.
• Manage a varied caseload, carrying out assessments and making informed decisions.
• Work with landlords, support organisations and partner agencies to achieve positive housing outcomes.
• Develop personalised plans with residents to support long-term housing stability and independence.
• Provide professional advice and guidance on housing matters.
• Maintain high standards of customer service and safeguarding.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Experience working with people facing complex or difficult circumstances.
• The ability to provide a professional, empathetic and customer-focused service.
• Good knowledge of homelessness, housing and tenancy-related legislation, or the ability to apply specialist housing knowledge in practice.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
• The ability to manage a busy caseload and prioritise competing demands.
• Sound decision-making skills based on evidence and professional judgement.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach with the resilience to overcome barriers.

Benefits

The role includes:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service requirements allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Samantha Milner, Service Manager, at samantha.milner@somerset.gov.uk.

The job description is available from Somerset Council as TR0188 G12 – Housing Options Officer.

Current Somerset Council employees should apply through the internal SuccessFactors careers page.

Application

Applications should be submitted through the official Somerset Council careers vacancy for Housing Options Officer.

Closing date: 11 October 2026

Source: Somerset Council Careers