To want a different housing officer

[mspmsp]

I went to the council with the intention of making a homeless application, as I had to leave where I'm staying within 3 weeks, this particular (rude and aggressive) officer refused to take a homeless application which I was previously told I had to do within 28 days by a different HO from the same council.
She said she would contact me and help me look for landlords etc, but she didn't. Fine she doesn't have to do that but I prefer not being lied to.
Phoned today, she said I have to come for a homeless interview tomorrow (the 3 weeks are up) and said because I (!?) left making my homeless application until the day before, that i would have to stay in a bed and breakfast 90 miles away. Ok, fair enough it is better than the street, but the council here have never put anyone in temp accomodation so far away, info t the furthest anyone has been placed has been about 10 miles away and no other housing officer has said this to me, I'm actually worried shed purposely do this just to prove a point.

Last time I had a meeting with this HO, she shouted at me, accused me of lying saying that I was still with my ex boyfriend and that I should stop lying about not living with him. (I'm not with him and I wasn't lying) I left the meeting in tears because she was so aggressive and seemed to be refusing to help me and just constantly spoke over me. Today I found out that I've now been allocated her as my homeless officer. I asked to have someone else and was told no. I asked to speak to a manager but said manager was in a meeting and obviously, I couldn't have contact details for the manager nor would the manager be able to call me back.

Aibu in wanted to speak to someone else, so isn't aggressive and won't shout at me whilst I've got my 9 month old baby on my lap? And how on earth can I ask for a different officer if I can't speak to a manager and everyone else just says no, they can't authorise that?

A bit of a ramble, but it just feel so hopeless, had a very tough time recently and I just dint know what to do, I honestly don't think I can even cope with speaking to this woman tomorrow, it feels like because I have no choice and I'm in a desperate situation I just have to put up with people being aggressive and rude (even a social worker told me not to speak to this housing officer, as they've had problems with her themselves and she is very rude and unhelpful)

I would make a formal complaint. Ask to speak to the womans manager, explain the situation and refuse to go away until it has been dealt with. Sounds awful but our council are the same, if you don't kick up a fuss and make a hassle of yourself they ignore it.

Hope you find somewhere soon.

i'm not sure where you are OP but this is from the code of guidance on homelessness in Scotland

Support for applicants
4.31 All applicants should be advised that they can be accompanied during any interview relating to their application by a friend or advocate, who can speak for them if required. Applicants should always have the opportunity to explain their circumstances fully. Applicants should be informed that they can ask to see a homelessness officer of either sex and this wish will be met wherever possible.
4.32 Consideration should also be given to interviewing applicants with young children and staff should do all they can to ensure that the interview is as comfortable as possible for parents and children. A play area or toys to keep children entertained while the
applicant is being interviewed can help make the experience less stressful.
4.33 If an applicant becomes distressed during an interview, consideration should be given to continuing at a later time although this should not delay settlement of the applicant in temporary accommodation.

Have you got anyone that can come with you to the meeting so that you have a witness to anything the homeless officer says?

Sorry not explaining myself well, have a 5 week in my lap!

Write to the manager or find a name on the council website. If no joy there you could write to your local councillor.