At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patients and staff in overcoming housing barriers for timely hospital discharges.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for travel, and impactful work in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in housing, social care, or related fields; knowledge of welfare benefits is essential.
- Other info: Full driving license required; role subject to a criminal record check.
The predicted salary is between 33510 - 40383 £ per year.
District Direct Officer
Starting salary between £33,510 and £40,383 per annum
Initially 12-month temporary contract
Based in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk but could travel out of area
We need you to play a key role to support and develop the existing District Direct services based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This covers supporting patients and hospital-based staff identify and overcome housing related barriers, to assist in the effective and timely discharge process, supporting better outcomes for patients being discharged from acute or community settings.
You will be a first point of contact within the hospital, discussing cases where patients may be vulnerable to delayed discharge or repeated attendance to hospital, accepting all appropriate referrals and offering advice and access to all relevant housing services. You will provide streamlined access to adaptation and/or assistive technology and access to community support via early help initiatives to support people home sustainably.
You will have at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant area which may include; housing, social/community care or adaptation services, with an understanding of the range of diverse needs and abilities of vulnerable people. You will need a good working knowledge of welfare benefits, local authority grants, social care services and the eligibility criteria for all these services. With excellent organisational skills you will be able to effectively manage a busy and varied workload whilst maintaining high standards and excellent customer service. You must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel around the Borough.
This appointment will be made subject to a satisfactory enhanced criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Closing date: 20 March 2025.
To apply, click the ‘apply’ button.
District Direct Officer employer: Kings Lynn & West Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Kings Lynn & West Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land District Direct Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific housing-related challenges faced by patients in a hospital setting. Understanding these issues will help you demonstrate your ability to support vulnerable individuals effectively during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing and social care sectors. Building connections can provide you with insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with welfare benefits and local authority grants in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated these systems to assist vulnerable populations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your organizational skills and ability to manage a busy workload. Think of examples where you've successfully juggled multiple responsibilities while maintaining high standards of customer service, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace District Direct Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the District Direct Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially in areas like housing, social care, and community support.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in housing, social/community care, or adaptation services. Emphasize your understanding of welfare benefits and local authority grants, as well as your organizational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Mention specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable individuals and managed complex cases in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kings Lynn & West Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the District Direct Officer role and its responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with the discharge process, housing-related barriers, and the support services available to patients. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your experience in housing, social/community care, or adaptation services during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals or managed complex cases, as this will illustrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Organizational Skills
Since the role requires managing a busy workload, be ready to discuss how you prioritize tasks and maintain high standards. Share examples of how you've effectively organized your work in previous positions, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, the challenges faced in the role, and the goals for the District Direct services. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.