Job Description

Job details

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Salary: 37,028 to 38,006 per annum (inclusive of allowances)
Location: Civic Centre, Gravesend
Status: Temporary (12 months)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing date: 23 November 2025

The role

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We are looking for a Housing Options Officer on a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.


Provide advice and guidance to households that are either homeless or threatened with homelessness to secure alternative accommodation or help remain in their own home.

Ensure the submission of relevant referrals to other departments and external agencies in order to meet the housing related needs of customers.

Undertake statutory enquiries into customer's circumstances that are either homeless or in threat of homelessness to determine the duty owed to them by the council in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).

Provide all customers with a formal decision letter in writing and ensure customers are clear on the legal framework and how this affects them.

Undertake personal housing plans for customers under relief duty and identify accommodation for up to 6 months.

Arrange emergency accommodation for customers who are eligible, homeless and in priority need, managing their stay in emergency accommodation by maintaining regular contact and ensuring they are receiving the right benefits where eligible.

About you

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Qualifications required

4 GCSE's at grade C or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications
Level 3 Certificate and/or Level 4 diploma in Housing Studies or equivalent.

Skills required

Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and written
Excellent negotiation skills.
Be organised and have a good attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
Ability to deal with difficult customers
Be a competent user of IT applications including standard office software packages e.g. word and excel
Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work effectively with minimal supervision.

Experience required

Experience in a housing related role offering housing advice.
Experience of making decisions in accordance with Part VII Housing Act 1996.
Experience of dealing with difficult customers and conflict management.
Experience of working within a busy environment.
Experience of working with housing related computer systems

Working for Gravesham

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We are committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves. A range of services have been provided to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses.


The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the north west corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area.

Benefits

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A minimum of 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme - Local Government Pension Scheme
Access to over 1000+ instant discounts from favourite retailers, restaurants, food delivery services and attractions via our benefits portal VivUp.
Career development, training opportunities and access to e-learning
Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
External Occupational Health service
Cycle to Work Scheme
Hybrid working
Access to Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
Free parking

Important Information

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Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job description.


Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 days of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.


We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.


The proposed interview date for this role is 28 November 2025.

How to apply

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Please send your CV and covering letter setting out why you are suitable to recruitment@gravesham.gov.uk by 23 November 2025.


All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email, if you require documentation in different format such as braille or large print, please contact the Human Resources Team on 01474 337374.