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- Tasks: Help individuals and families facing homelessness find sustainable housing solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic Local Authority in Ashford making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Earn £18.00 to £20.00 per hour with flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team that directly impacts lives and prevents homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice or statutory homelessness roles is essential; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Temporary contract for 3 months, with opportunities for referrals and bonuses.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a dynamic Local Authority in Ashford as a Housing Options Officer, working within a fast-paced team to provide essential housing advice and support to prevent homelessness in the community.
THE ROLE
- Provide expert housing advice and support to individuals and families facing homelessness, helping to identify sustainable solutions and housing options.
- Deliver comprehensive housing advice in line with current legislation and guidance.
- Conduct homelessness assessments and determine statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
- Work closely with private landlords, mortgage lenders, and partner agencies to prevent homelessness.
- Identify temporary accommodation options and liaise with internal teams and external providers.
- Maintain accurate case notes, letters, and legal documentation.
- Carry out home visits to those presenting as homeless, assessing their vulnerability and support needs.
- Prepare proposals for court and represent the Local Authority in legal proceedings where necessary.
THE CANDIDATE
- Previous experience in a housing advice or statutory homelessness role within a Local Authority or similar setting.
- Sound knowledge of homelessness legislation and related case law.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to deal sensitively with vulnerable individuals.
- Strong investigative and analytical skills to assess complex housing cases.
- Proficient in maintaining accurate and detailed records and correspondence.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for home visits.
THE CONTRACT
- Temporary – 3 months.
- Full time – 37 hours per week.
- The pay range for the role is £18.00 to £20.00 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is £15.35 to £17.05 per hour, inclusive of holiday.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please email a copy of your CV to .uk or call on to discuss further. If the role is more suited to someone you know, we offer a £250 referral bonus for every successfully referred candidate!
Housing Options Officer employer: Service Care Solutions - Housing
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and any recent amendments. Understanding the legislation will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to navigate complex housing issues.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing or local authorities. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people in the field, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising how you would handle specific cases of homelessness. Think about the steps you would take and the resources you would use, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your communication and negotiation skills during any discussions. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully dealt with vulnerable individuals in the past, as this is crucial for a Housing Options Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Options Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in housing advice or statutory homelessness roles. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals facing homelessness.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your communication, negotiation, and analytical skills in your application. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've effectively dealt with vulnerable individuals and complex housing cases.
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 Service Care Solutions - Housing
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and any amendments. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with vulnerable individuals in the past. Highlighting your ability to handle sensitive situations will be crucial in this role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific cases where you successfully identified sustainable housing solutions. Be ready to discuss your investigative and analytical skills in assessing complex housing cases.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle various homelessness scenarios. Practising responses to potential case studies can help you feel more prepared and confident during the interview.
