If you’re exploring a career in public sector housing, you’ve probably seen job titles like Housing Needs Officer and Housing Management Officer, and you might be wondering: what’s the actual difference?

At Marks Consulting Partners, we regularly place candidates into both types of roles across local authorities and housing associations. While there’s some crossover, these positions serve very different functions, and knowing the difference will help you apply for the right role, at the right time in your career.

A Housing Needs Officer is typically based within a local council’s homelessness or housing options team. Their job is to work with people at risk of, or already experiencing, homelessness and find appropriate housing solutions, fast.

Key responsibilities:

• Assessing housing applications and eligibility
• Conducting homelessness interviews and decisions under the Housing Act 1996
• Offering advice on prevention, relief, and housing options
• Working with private landlords, supported housing providers, and emergency accommodation teams

Skills required:

• Strong knowledge of housing law and homelessness legislation
• High levels of empathy, resilience, and problem-solving
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex caseloads

Ideal for: Candidates with a background in advice services, support work, or statutory assessments, who are confident in making legal decisions and supporting vulnerable individuals.

A Housing Management Officer is usually employed by a housing association or ALMO (Arms-Length Management Organisation) and focuses on the day-to-day management of tenancies. It’s about ensuring residents are supported, homes are maintained, and neighbourhoods are safe.

Key responsibilities:

• Tenancy sign-ups, renewals, and enforcement
• Addressing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and neighbour disputes
• Supporting rent collection and arrears cases
• Conducting estate inspections and community engagement

Skills required:

• Strong people management and negotiation skills
• Confidence dealing with challenging behaviours
• Knowledge of tenancy law and social housing regulation

Ideal for: Candidates with experience in customer service, housing support, or estate management, who enjoy working directly with tenants and communities.

Ask yourself:

Do I enjoy working in advice-based environments with legal frameworks? → Consider Housing Needs.

Do I want to manage tenancies, estates, and support community stability? → Explore Housing Management.

Both roles offer meaningful careers, job security, and the chance to make a difference. They also provide excellent stepping stones into more senior positions like Team Leader, Neighbourhood Manager, or Homelessness Lead.

Understanding the difference between Housing Needs and Housing Management roles helps you target the right opportunities, and show up to interviews prepared and aligned.

At Marks Consulting Partners, we work with dozens of councils and housing providers looking for candidates in both areas. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to step up, we can help you find the right fit.