At a Glance
- Tasks: Help families and vulnerable individuals in temporary accommodation with rent and welfare benefits.
- Company: Join a supportive council dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by assisting those in need during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence required; knowledge of welfare benefits is essential.
- Other info: Informal discussions available; applications close on 29 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 29000 £ per year.
Starting salary £33,363pa with potential progression to £36,301pa on achieving designated skills and experience.
12 months fixed term contract.
37 hours per week (hybrid working).
Are you someone who enjoys assisting others? Are you able to find solutions for people? If so, this could be the ideal job for you!
We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic individual to join our Temporary Accommodation Team. Working as part of a busy Housing Needs Team, across several locations, you will be helping families and vulnerable people whilst they reside in the Council's temporary accommodation. You will have the knowledge, flexibility and skills to deal with people from different backgrounds and situations.
As part of the Temporary Accommodation team, you will assist residents with maintaining their rent payments, making claims for welfare benefits and ensuring income maximisation. Safeguarding vulnerable people is at the heart of the service we provide, and you will be expected to have a sound understanding of safeguarding principles.
You will have strong technical and working knowledge of welfare benefits and in particular the processes and entitlements to housing benefit. Part of the role will involve referring to and liaising with partner organisations and to actively participate in statutory and multi-agency case meetings such as professionals' meetings and child protection conferences as required.
Our customers come from all backgrounds with different life experiences. When they approach us, they are often going through the most stressful time in their life. You will assist them in areas they are struggling and need support with. This team changes lives, and you can be part of that!
Applicants will need to have a full driving licence and use of a car as the role involves frequent travel between sites.
Our CORE values—Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent—guide everything we do. We value everyone who works with us, no matter what their role is. We are committed to supporting and developing our staff.
What the council is really looking for is someone with a true customer focus, an understanding of what great customer service involves and a commitment to delivering outstanding results.
If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dan Parsons Temporary Accommodation Manager on 01707 357618.
Closing date for applications is 29 June 2025. Remote assessments to be held on 7 July 2025. Interviews will be held on 14 July 2025.
Contact Detail:
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Tenancy Support Officer (Temporary Accommodation) (RP0131)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by families and vulnerable individuals in temporary accommodation. Understanding their needs will help you demonstrate empathy and a customer-focused approach during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing and welfare sectors. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of welfare benefits, particularly housing benefit processes. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you are proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the possibility of multi-agency meetings by understanding the roles of different organisations involved in safeguarding. Being able to articulate how you would collaborate with these partners can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Tenancy Support Officer (Temporary Accommodation) (RP0131)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Tenancy Support Officer. Highlight your relevant experience in assisting vulnerable individuals and your understanding of welfare benefits.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your customer service skills, knowledge of safeguarding principles, and any relevant qualifications or training.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your commitment to delivering outstanding results. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you embody the council's CORE values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Tenancy Support Officer, you'll be working with vulnerable individuals. Make sure to demonstrate your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share examples of how you've helped others in difficult situations, highlighting your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
✨Know Your Welfare Benefits
Familiarise yourself with welfare benefits, especially housing benefit processes and entitlements. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge in this area during the interview, as it’s crucial for the role. You might even want to mention any relevant experience you have in assisting clients with claims.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
The job involves finding solutions for families in temporary accommodation. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully resolved issues or provided support to someone in need. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and customer focus.
✨Understand Safeguarding Principles
Since safeguarding vulnerable people is a key aspect of the role, ensure you have a solid understanding of safeguarding principles. Be ready to talk about how you would approach safeguarding concerns and your commitment to protecting those in your care.