At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by assessing cases and providing advice to those in need.
- Company: Join a dedicated Council team focused on innovative housing solutions and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility and the chance to make a real impact in your community.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven role that values empathy, collaboration, and social change.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and experience in affordability assessments required.
- Other info: Work across various locations while contributing to the Temporary Cost Reduction Programme.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Who You Are You are a passionate and skilled professional with a deep understanding of homelessness legislation and experience in homelessness prevention. Possessing a strong knowledge of Housing Acts and able to demonstrate the ability to carry out detailed affordability assessments, you thrive in high-pressure environments and embrace a flexible, innovative approach to problem-solving. You excel in communication and negotiation, demonstrating empathy and respect while delivering outstanding customer service. You are motivated, self-reliant, and capable of managing conflicting deadlines, aiming to make commercially beneficial decisions for the Council. You are interested in working collaboratively across teams and are committed to staying abreast of legislative and policy developments. What the job involves In this role as a Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer, you will offer a comprehensive, high-quality prevention and advice service to those at risk of homelessness. Your work will include thoroughly investigating cases, calculating affordability assessments, and determining Council obligations under relevant housing legislation. You’ll issue legally robust decision letters and engage in complex negotiations to prevent homelessness. You’ll promote solutions to minimize temporary accommodation use, deliver outreach services, and make informed decisions on discharging housing duties. This role spans various locations, with hybrid work flexibility, contributing directly to the Temporary Cost Reduction Programme within the Housing Division.
Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest homelessness legislation and Housing Acts. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex situations or negotiations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how you would explain complex housing issues to clients. Being able to convey empathy and clarity is crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the homelessness prevention sector. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals, making your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially regarding homelessness legislation and affordability assessments.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your experience in homelessness prevention and your knowledge of Housing Acts. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed cases or conducted assessments in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication and negotiation skills, include examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with clients empathetically and effectively. Mention any relevant training or experiences that highlight these skills.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the job. Use keywords from the job description to align your application with what the Council is looking for, showing that you are a perfect fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Show Your Knowledge of Legislation
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of homelessness legislation and the Housing Acts. Highlight any relevant experience you have in applying these laws in real-world situations, as this will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations in the past. Discuss specific instances where you used innovative approaches to solve complex problems, especially in relation to homelessness prevention.
✨Emphasize Communication and Empathy
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with vulnerable individuals, be ready to showcase your communication skills. Share experiences where you effectively communicated complex information while showing empathy and respect for clients' situations.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Discuss your experience working collaboratively across teams. Provide examples of how you've contributed to team goals and how you stay updated on legislative and policy developments that impact your work.