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- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their application process and provide practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Mears is dedicated to addressing homelessness and expanding social housing across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company vehicle, and discounts through Mears Rewards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups, effective communication skills, and a full UK driving license required.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and offers opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 25800 - 30000 £ per year.
Annual salary: up to £28,917.00
Housing Support Officer
Location: Edinburgh
Salary: up to £28,917 per annum
Employment type: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Benefits: Including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers while their claims are being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. As of May 2021, Mears supported over 19,000 service users across these regions. We work in partnership with central and local government, registered providers, tenants, landlords, and investors to address homelessness, expand social and affordable housing, and develop specialized housing for individuals with care needs.
About the Role:
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Housing Support Officer to join our team. This role supports asylum seekers through their right to work and asylum application process with the Home Office. The ideal candidate will be resilient, trustworthy, caring, empathetic, and a people person. Every day presents new challenges and rewards.
Your main duties will include supporting service users at various stages of their asylum application, addressing safeguarding and welfare issues, providing practical and emotional support, monitoring wellbeing, and maintaining accurate records for Home Office audits. Maintaining professional boundaries and resilience is essential to deliver a consistent and effective service.
Role Criteria:
- Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures
- Ability to identify support needs and facilitate independence
- Experience with mental health and challenging behaviors
- Effective communication skills with colleagues, authorities, and service users
- Experience in record keeping and risk assessments
- Ability to work independently
- Resilience
- Supportive, trustworthy, empathetic, approachable
- Flexible and willing to travel
- Full UK driving license
Note: All roles require the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available.
As part of the recruitment process, a DBS & BPSS check and Security Clearance will be conducted. You will need to provide relevant identification, proof of address, references, a valid passport, and evidence of UK residence over the past 5 years.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day
- Paid volunteering leave
- Discounts via Mears Rewards
- Family-friendly policies
- Company vehicle and fuel card
- Access to EAP counselling
Required Qualifications: English
To apply or discuss your application, contact:
Beth Dunford (beth.dunford@mearsgroup.co.uk)
We support diversity and inclusion, are a Disability Confident employer, and proudly endorse the Armed Forces Covenant with the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
We encourage applicants to share optional background information to promote social mobility, assessed via the Social Mobility Index, which does not affect your application.
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Housing Support Officer employer: Medirest Signature
Contact Detail:
Medirest Signature Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the asylum application process and the specific challenges faced by asylum seekers. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing support sector, especially those who work with vulnerable groups. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your resilience and empathy through real-life examples in discussions. Prepare stories that showcase how you've supported individuals in challenging situations, as this aligns closely with the qualities Mears is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mears and their mission to support asylum seekers. Understanding their values and recent initiatives can help you articulate why you're a good fit for the team and how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Support Officer. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience working with vulnerable groups or in social care settings. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of safeguarding procedures and your ability to support individuals through challenging situations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your empathy, resilience, and communication skills. Explain why you are passionate about supporting asylum seekers and how you can contribute to Mears' mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Medirest Signature
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the asylum application process and the challenges faced by service users. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Show Empathy and Resilience
During the interview, highlight your ability to be empathetic and resilient. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported vulnerable individuals or dealt with challenging situations. This will show that you possess the essential qualities needed for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Prepare by thinking of specific instances where you successfully navigated similar challenges, focusing on your approach and the outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to supporting asylum seekers and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
