Housing Advice Team Leader

• Housing_Advice_Team_Leader_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 Team Leader, you’ll lead and support a dedicated team of Housing Advice Officers and Housing Triage and Support Officers. Together, you’ll deliver a high-quality homelessness prevention and housing advice service to individuals and families across the district often at the most critical points in their lives.

Everything you need to know:

This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for a motivated and experienced housing professional. Based at our Sevenoaks office, you’ll oversee frontline housing services, supervise day-to-day casework, and ensure compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996.

You’ll be appointed at Band E (£40,219 – £43,414) with excellent benefits, including a generous local government pension, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid working), and access to a range of wellbeing and development support.

What you will be doing:

• Leading and supervising the Housing Advice Team, ensuring quality advice and support for residents at risk of homelessness
• Overseeing complex casework, ensuring legal duties are met under housing and homelessness legislation
• Supporting officers with customer communications, statutory decisions, and urgent interventions
• Carrying out Section 202 reviews and responding to appeals and legal challenges
• Monitoring officer caseloads and service performance, identifying improvements and training needs
• Working with housing providers, landlords, and support services to develop housing pathways
• Coordinating and participating in the 24/7 out-of-hours housing advice rota (with salary supplement)
• Keeping up to date with housing law, safeguarding responsibilities, and best practice guidance
• Maintaining accurate and GDPR-compliant case management and service data
• Supporting staff wellbeing, lone working arrangements, and health and safety procedures

What you will bring to the role:

• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996, and relevant guidance and case law
• At least 3 years’ experience working within homelessness services, including decision-making on statutory housing duties
• Ability to supervise, support, and develop staff in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills
• Confidence in managing complex and emotionally sensitive cases
• A team-focused, solution-driven, and professional approach
• Strong IT and record-keeping skills
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle

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 genuinely cares about its work and is dedicated to learning, development, and continuous improvement. You’ll be supported in making decisions, taking initiative, and advancing your career in housing.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking team delivering services that really 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 30 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

Find out more?

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

Closing date: Sunday 10th August

Interview date: Monday 18th August