Housing Advice Officer

• Housing_Advice_Officer_JD

Please apply online (see below). If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by either emailing recruitment@sevenoaks.gov.uk or contacting us on 01732 227383 to discuss how we can assist you in applying.

We’re committed to preventing homelessness and ensuring safe, sustainable housing solutions for everyone in our community.

Our Housing Options and Solutions team plays a vital frontline role, providing practical support, expert advice, and life-changing interventions to help people stay in their homes or find new ones.

Working as a Housing Advice Officer, you’ll be part of a highly motivated team supporting individuals and families across the District who are facing housing difficulties or homelessness. Your work will have a direct impact on improving lives and preventing crises before they happen.

Everything you need to know:

This is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for a customer-focused housing professional. Based at our Sevenoaks office, you’ll support vulnerable residents, work closely with landlords and partners, and ensure legal duties are met under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Housing Act 1996.

You’ll be appointed at Band D (£34,072 – £36,830) with benefits including a generous local government pension, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid working), and access to a range of health and wellbeing support.

What you will be doing:

• Providing advice and assistance to customers at risk of homelessness or facing eviction.
• Carrying out assessments, creating Personal Housing Plans, and supporting people to achieve long term housing solutions.
• Working closely with private landlords and tenants through our Sevenoaks Landlords Hub, helping to secure and maintain quality private rented housing.
• Placing individuals and families in emergency and temporary accommodation where needed.
• Liaising with internal teams (eg Council Tax, Housing Standards, Benefits) and external partners (e.g. housing associations, voluntary services) to ensure joined-up support.
• Handling complex enquiries with empathy and professionalism, both in person and over the phone.
• Participating in our out-of-hours service on a rota basis (with a salary supplement).

What you will bring to the role:

• Knowledge of housing legislation, especially the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Experience working in a housing or homelessness prevention setting.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• A calm and organised approach to managing sensitive and complex situations.
• Strong IT and record-keeping skills.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• A positive, flexible and team-focused attitude.

Why work with us?

We’re proud to be a high-performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people-first service. You’ll be joining a team that cares deeply about its work and is committed to learning, development, and continuous improvement. You’ll be supported to make decisions, take initiative, and grow your career in housing.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking team delivering services that matter. Every day is different, and the impact you’ll have on people’s quality of life is immediate and rewarding.

We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation – our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 28 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Hybrid working
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Want to find out more?

For an informal discussion about this role, please contactStephen Tring, Housing Options and Solutions Manager, on 01732 227184.

Closing date: 10 August 2025

Interview date: Week commencing 18 August 2025