Housing Advice Officer – BF4978

Housing Advice Officer – Job Description

Directorate: Planning, Growth & Sustainability – Housing & Strategy
Location: South East England
Reports to: Assistant Team Manager (Prevention)
DBS: Basic

Rate: £27-£30/hr

About the Role

Buckingham Futures is working with a local authority in Bucks. We are looking for a motivated and customer-focused Housing Advice Officer to join our busy Housing & Strategy service. This role provides statutory homelessness and housing advice in line with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

You will work directly with vulnerable residents, prevent homelessness through early intervention, complete statutory assessments, and prepare Personalised Housing Plans. This is a rewarding, fast-paced role where you will make a meaningful difference to households in housing crisis.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist front-line housing options and homelessness prevention advice.
• Conduct full homelessness assessments, gather evidence, and prepare Personalised Housing Plans.
• Work proactively to prevent homelessness using tools such as Discretionary Housing Payments, Homelessness Prevention Fund, and private rented solutions.
• Assess customers’ eligibility for housing and financial support in line with legislation and policy.
• Carry out risk assessments, safeguarding referrals, and liaise with multi-agency partners including Police, Probation, NHS, and social care.
• Undertake home visits, residency checks, and assist vulnerable households.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
• Provide clear, professional communication to customers, colleagues, and external partners.
• Support the prevention and identification of fraud.
• Deliver excellent customer service, including dealing with difficult or sensitive situations.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Broad experience in housing or a related service area.
• Strong working knowledge of homelessness, housing, and welfare legislation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate, influence, and build rapport with customers and partners.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a complex workload.
• Ability to conduct formal interviews and gather detailed evidence.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and handling sensitive issues.

 

Qualifications (Essential):

• NVQ Level 4, HND, BTEC, degree or equivalent.
  Desirable:
• Relevant professional/vocational qualification.
• Chartered Institute of Housing Level 3.

 

Other Requirements:

• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to converse confidently with the public in spoken English.
• Must meet DBS disclosure requirements (role exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974).

If you have interest in this position, please contact me on 0208 125 4321 or email to shanley@buckinghamfutures.com or kapil@buckinghamfutures.com