Initial Assessment Advice Officer - 37 Hours

Initial Assessment Advice Officer - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 30 April 2026

Department: Adults & Community Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Leader

Compensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / year

Description

We are dedicated to helping people who are facing homelessness. The demand for our Housing Options Service is increasing, and we think it will continue to do so. Often through no fault of their own, more and more people are finding themselves at risk of homelessness. The housing market and lack of affordable options make it challenging to help people find the homes that they need. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Initial Advice Officer. You will be based in our Housing Options Team and will be an initial point of contact for those at risk of imminent homelessness.

We are seeking an individual who has a proven track record of working within a challenging frontline service or has transferable customer service skills. We are looking for someone who is:

• An excellent communicator who will give clear and concise advice to customers and landlords.
• A good listener who will be empathetic when helping customers facing challenging personal circumstances.
• A good team player who will embrace The Council's core values.
• An organised individual with an eye for detail who can prioritise their work in a demanding environment.
• A natural problem solver who can think creatively to create successful resolutions.

Skills

Essential:

• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records to provide accountability, deliverability and to be used as evidence if required.
• Good organisational ability, particularly self organisation, ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion, whilst working to tight deadlines.
• Ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision at times.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Knowledge of the 1996 Housing Act.
• Understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Experience of working in a housing or customer service setting.
• Experience in working face to face with a wide variety of clients.

Additional Information

This post meets the requirements for an Enhanced Criminal Record Check. This will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions which have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is considered relevant to the role.

For an informal chat please contact Peter Shuttleworth on or . Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 11th May 2026. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.