Working hours: 37.5 hours per week (banking 30 minutes per week to be used during a shut down between Christmas and New Year)

Harlow Council is looking for an experienced Housing Options & Advice Team Leader to join its Housing Options and Advice team. This is a key role within a busy service facing high demand and evolving challenges in homelessness prevention.

What you’ll be doing

Leading and supporting a team of Housing Options and Advice Officers, Housing Assistants, and a Rough Sleeper Prevention Coordinator in delivery of high-quality service and managing complex caseloads.
Ensuring decisions and casework comply with homelessness legislation, case law, and guidance.
Monitoring performance, service delivery, and statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII).
Supporting the team of Homefinder Officer’s and Landlord Liaison Officers, to ensure the Council’s Housing Needs Register, Choice Based Lettings system & wider housing objectives are met, including the provision of temporary accommodation.
Deputising for the Housing Options and Advice Manager when required.
Liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
Participating in the out‑of‑hours housing duty rota.
Ensuring accurate records, performance data, and reports are prepared in line with service requirements.
Contribute to the continued development of innovative homelessness prevention initiatives.

About you

You will have:

Strong experience in homelessness and housing options services, with in‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation.
Proven supervisory experience and the ability to motivate and support staff.
Excellent communication skills and a commitment to customer care.
Resilience, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
Ability to work with partner agencies and representing the service at meetings.
Ability to use IT systems and analyse data effectively.
Relevant formal training including Housing qualification and GCSE English and Maths pass.
Experience of team leading in a similar role, with knowledge and training which relates to the specific requirements of the job description and relevant legislation and law.
Some out of hours duties in emergencies as required.

A housing qualification and familiarity with systems such as HOPE are desirable.

Recruitment will be via interview and assessment, date to be confirmed.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Lisa Whiting, Housing Options and Advice Manager, on 01279 446371.

Why Harlow?

Harlow is on a bold journey to become the most forward-thinking and impactful council in the country. Harlow is one of the fastest-growing areas in the UK, where major investment is transforming the town - with a new hospital, vibrant neighbourhoods, and a revitalised town centre on the horizon. Our ambitious plan focuses on six transformational missions to improve housing, safety, jobs, and health for every resident, and we are delivering on those missions at pace. This is your chance to be part of a council that’s leading change, restoring pride, and shaping a better future for generations to come.

Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We offer flexibility with purpose through our Dynamic Working approach. While office-based work is the norm, most full-time employees attend the workplace at least three days per week (pro rata) (four days per week from September 2026).

We also support a range of flexible arrangements to help balance work and personal life and provide health and wellbeing initiatives and an employee assistance programme.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.