At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding housing and managing their needs while making a positive community impact.
- Company: Join Nacro, a leading organisation dedicated to supporting low- to medium-risk offenders across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and perks like free eye tests and employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing skills in the criminal justice field.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle, and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Applications from those with lived experience in the criminal justice system are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
Job Type: Permanent / Full-Time
Working Hours: 8 hours per day (shift patterns and flexibility will be discussed during the interview). The working hours are between 08:00 and 22:00.
Location: Southampton
A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential for the role.
The role is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) program, commissioned directly by the Ministry of Justice, operating nationwide across England and Wales. This high-profile program provides accommodation and support for low- to medium-risk offenders eligible for home detention curfew or bail, preventing them from being held in prison due to lack of housing.
Role Overview: As a Housing Support Worker, your days will be varied, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on both service users and the community.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing your schedule to meet the needs of the role.
- Supporting service users by assessing their needs, creating support and safety plans, and collaborating with probation and court staff.
- Assisting with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments.
- Ensuring that properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and addressing any maintenance issues.
Who Would Enjoy This Role:
- Resilient individuals who can leave work at work and focus on self-care.
- Curious problem-solvers who ask questions before finding solutions.
- Emotionally intelligent people who can understand and respond to human behaviour.
- Confident and positive individuals, eager to learn and collaborate with others.
- People with strong teamwork skills and personal values aligned with Nacroβs mission.
- Genuine interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
- Ability to work within professional boundaries while acting in the best interests of both the service users and Nacro.
- Strong organizational skills, able to manage competing priorities, and update systems in a timely manner.
- ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) with training provided for internal systems.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
- Full, clean UK driving license.
- Access to a vehicle (mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile).
- Willingness to travel for business purposes.
- Business car insurance will be required.
- An enhanced DBS check and Prison Clearance will be necessary for this role.
- Applications from individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system are encouraged, and a criminal record may not necessarily disqualify you.
Benefits & Rewards:
- Free eye tests and a Β£50 contribution towards glasses.
- Access to an employee assistance program.
- Generous leave entitlement, including additional special leave.
- Occupational sick pay exceeding statutory requirements.
- Flexible working arrangements, including the ability to work from home between property visits.
This role can serve as an excellent stepping stone into other professions within criminal justice and offers experience with various criminal justice agencies, local housing benefit departments, and the DWP.
Visa Sponsorship: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Housing Support Worker employer: Nacro
Contact Detail:
Nacro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Worker
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) programme. Understanding its objectives and how it operates will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting vulnerable individuals or working within the criminal justice system. Sharing specific examples of how you've made a positive impact can set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you manage competing priorities. Since the role involves juggling various responsibilities, showcasing your ability to stay organised and efficient will be crucial.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your emotional intelligence by preparing to discuss scenarios where you've had to adapt your communication style. This will show that you can connect with service users effectively and respond to their needs appropriately.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Worker
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Support Worker. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in housing support, social work, or related fields. Mention specific examples where you have successfully supported individuals or managed competing priorities.
Showcase Soft Skills: This role requires strong emotional intelligence and teamwork skills. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work collaboratively with others.
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 Nacro
β¨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Housing Support Worker. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these responsibilities during the interview.
β¨Showcase Your Resilience
This role requires resilience and the ability to manage stress. Think of examples from your past where you've demonstrated these qualities, and be ready to share them. Highlight how you maintain a work-life balance and focus on self-care.
β¨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
As a Housing Support Worker, you'll need to understand and respond to the needs of service users. Prepare to discuss situations where you've successfully navigated complex human behaviours or resolved conflicts, showcasing your emotional intelligence.
β¨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the organisation's mission. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.