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- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and provide essential advice on benefits.
- Company: Join Hackney Council, a key player in supporting the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate and potential remote work options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Immediate start available; work hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Position: Housing Options and Advice Service – Homelessness Officer
Location: Hackney Service Centre, Hackney Council
Hours Per Week: 36.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £20.06 per hour
Responsibilities:
- Prevention work: negotiating with hosts, understanding S21 notices, eviction processes, landlord harassment, N244 re-entry, working with probation, dealing with domestic violence, and more.
- Provide Options and Advice: assessing Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment, maximizing income, debt management, liaising with Housing Supply.
- Homelessness duties: understanding interim duty triggers, placing clients in Temporary Accommodation, managing homelessness applications, investigations, and decision-making regarding duty owed.
- Signposting and system experience: familiarity with JIGSAW, working remotely with necessary broadband and equipment (laptops may be provided).
Benefits and Housing Needs Officer – SO2 employer: Hackney Council
Contact Detail:
Hackney Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits and Housing Needs Officer – SO2
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific housing laws and regulations in London, especially those related to homelessness and tenant rights. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing services or local councils. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to gain insights and make connections that could lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain practical experience by volunteering with organisations that support homeless individuals or provide housing advice. This hands-on experience can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising scenarios related to homelessness prevention and client management. Being able to articulate your approach to real-life situations will showcase your problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits and Housing Needs Officer – SO2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Benefits and Housing Needs Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in prevention work, options and advice, and homelessness duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles or experiences that relate to housing advice, negotiation skills, and working with vulnerable populations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in areas like eviction processes and debt management.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include key skills that are relevant to the role, such as familiarity with systems like JIGSAW, strong communication abilities, and experience in managing homelessness applications. This will help you stand out as a candidate.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that connects your background to the specific needs of Hackney Council. Explain why you are passionate about helping those in need and how your skills align with their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Council
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with terms like S21 notices, eviction processes, and homelessness duties, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in housing or benefits roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully negotiated with landlords or managed homelessness applications, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about how you would handle situations involving domestic violence or landlord harassment, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
Since familiarity with systems like JIGSAW is mentioned, it’s beneficial to research this software beforehand. If you have experience with similar systems, be ready to discuss how you can quickly adapt to new technologies.
