At a Glance
- Tasks: Help Afghan families find homes and provide personalized support throughout their housing journey.
- Company: Mears Group is dedicated to resettling families and making a positive social impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, volunteering opportunities, staff perks, and a fun annual company day!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or refugee sectors, strong communication skills, and understanding of the UK benefit system.
- Other info: Must be eligible to work in the UK; no visa sponsorship available.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are collaborating with our client to resettle families in the UK under the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy. Initially, these families will be housed in various accommodation bases, known as the transit estate, before moving to permanent homes within the community. Over the next nine months, Mears will assist service users in securing private rental homes across the UK.
This position is part of the housing team, collectively responsible for supporting frontline delivery and meeting contractual requirements. As a Housing Advisor, you will play a crucial role in providing housing solutions and delivering exceptional service to our service users and the community.
You will assist Afghan families in finding suitable homes in the private rental market. Additionally, you will identify new partnership opportunities while ensuring excellent customer service, performance, and full compliance with the contract.
As a Housing Advisor, you will discuss options with family households and single person households, to help facilitate a seamless move. Taking the service users through the whole journey from understanding their needs to securing the property and moving in. You will deliver personalised support to service users through bespoke casework and facilitating housing drop-in clinics.
We will work in partnership with the receiving LA to ensure required support will be in place once a property is agreed., All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Benefits we can offer you
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25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
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Annual Mears Fun Day – Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
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Volunteering Leave – Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
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Staff perks with Mears Rewards – discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more
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Family friendly policies
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Choice of company car or car allowance
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Access to EAP Counselling sessions, If you feel you have skills and experience needed, please apply via the link below. If you have any questions regarding this role please contact Beth on . We look forward to hearing from you soon.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.
Mears Group is a Disability Confident employer and recognises our people as our greatest asset, we hire individuality, recognising and valuing everyone is individual and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all regardless of social economic background or individual make up.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant DBS/Security checks before employment.
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Previous experience working within the housing sector / working with vulnerable people
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Previous experience working within the refugee sector would be ideal
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A thorough understanding of the UK benefit system
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Deadline management
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Strong interpersonal communication skills
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Ability to build internal relationships, and manage dispersed teams
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Negotiation knowledge
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IT literate
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Excellent communication
Housing Support Officer employer: Mears Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Mears Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy. Understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by Afghan families will help you provide tailored support and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local housing organizations and community groups that work with refugees. Building these connections can help you identify partnership opportunities and resources that will benefit the families you support.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of the UK benefit system, as this will be crucial in assisting families with their financial needs. Being well-versed in available benefits can enhance your ability to provide comprehensive support.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practicing your interpersonal communication skills. Role-playing scenarios where you assist families in finding homes can help you articulate your approach and showcase your problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Housing Support Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to working with vulnerable populations and the housing sector.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in housing support, working with refugees, and any knowledge of the UK benefit system. Use specific examples that demonstrate your interpersonal communication skills and ability to manage deadlines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping families find suitable homes. Discuss your previous experiences that align with the role and how you can contribute to Mears' mission of providing exceptional service to service users.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasize skills such as negotiation, relationship building, and IT literacy. Mention any experience you have with casework or facilitating support services, as these are crucial for the Housing Support Officer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Understand the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy
Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge about the challenges faced by Afghan families and how you can assist them in securing suitable housing.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Vulnerable Populations
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable individuals or families. Highlight specific examples where you provided support, understanding their needs, and facilitating their transition into new living situations.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you would communicate effectively with service users, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage deadlines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges in housing or support services.