At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing and prevent homelessness with expert advice and support.
- Company: Join a local government team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing valuable skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and knowledge of relevant legislation is essential.
- Other info: This is a temporary role with potential for extension, working Monday to Friday.
One of my local government clients are currently recruiting an experienced Housing Options Officer on a temporary basis. This is a 3-month minimum contract with the possibility of the role being extended further to work Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Hybrid working role where, however, you will be required to attend the office 2/3 times a week.
Overview:
- Provide housing advice and assistance to customers in line with current legislation and council policy, providing a professional, sensitive, and confidential service.
- Help meet the council’s obligations under the prevent and relief duties of the act, in order to prevent homelessness by engaging in effective partnership working, negotiating and/or mediating, and providing accurate advice and assistance.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties, such as assisting clients with applications to the Housing Register, Rent Deposit Scheme, referrals, and Medical Assessment forms, and assist with housing queries.
- Function as a support officer to caseworkers when people approach the service for housing assistance.
- Function as a triage officer, giving housing advice and booking homeless appointments for Housing Options Officers.
- Regularly review applicants personalised housing plans (PHP) and help applicants to find alternative accommodation.
- Have an awareness of legislation case law, government guidance, and professional good practice in relation to parts VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by HRA 2017.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please send your CV to Jahker Miah from Coyle Personnel Ltd.
Housing Options Officer (Prevention and Relief) employer: Coyles
Contact Detail:
Coyles Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer (Prevention and Relief)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current housing legislation and council policies relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the responsibilities of a Housing Options Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing services or local government. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to homelessness prevention and relief, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your soft skills, such as empathy and communication, during the interview process. These are crucial for a Housing Options Officer, so be ready to share examples of how you've effectively supported clients in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer (Prevention and Relief)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and required skills for the Housing Options Officer position. Highlight your relevant experience in housing advice, partnership working, and knowledge of housing legislation.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and empathy, which are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your understanding of homelessness prevention. Mention any relevant achievements or experiences that demonstrate your capability in providing sensitive and professional housing advice.
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, which is essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coyles
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and its amendments, especially parts VI & VII. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Highlight your communication, negotiation, and mediation skills during the interview. These are crucial for providing sensitive and professional housing advice, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you may need to demonstrate how you would handle specific housing situations. Practising responses to common scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Research the Council's Policies
Take the time to understand the specific policies and procedures of the local council you’re applying to. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.