At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people facing homelessness find housing solutions and provide essential advice.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on reducing homelessness in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: A-levels or NVQ level 4 required; strong communication and organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Driving licence and access to a vehicle needed for this role.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Qualifications
- Education qualification to at least A level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ level 4 and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and where required will acquire specialist accreditation and skills.
- Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.
- Resourceful, solution focused, persuasive and skilled in overcoming barriers.
- Ability to prioritise workload, manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, use initiative and work with limited supervision.
- Current driving licence required and access to own vehicle.
Key tasks and responsibilities
Role Purpose:
Provide advice, information and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Help applicants to explore their housing options and find suitable accommodation that meets their needs.
To work with a range of partners and agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Advice & Guidance
Offer advice and information on topics such as homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights and security of tenure. Communicate with applicants or their authorised representatives through phone, email or letter. Make advice accessible to all applicants and help them avoid or resolve homelessness and secure long-term housing solutions.
Progress Applications
Make enquiries and collect all relevant information from the applicant including financial statements or health information and carry out other verification checks as necessary, including authorised communication with statutory and voluntary agencies to support decision making. Progress all homeless applications (Part 7 application) under current legislation, ensuring compliance to the Homelessness Code of Guidance. Progress all housing applications (Part 6 applications) in line with the Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings scheme and ensure these are completed in a timely manner.
Assessment & Plan
Carry out an assessment of circumstances and needs to identify what has caused the homelessness or threat of homelessness and the housing needs of the applicant and any support needs to be able to secure and retain accommodation. Following the assessment, create a personalised housing plan with the applicant to help them retain or find accommodation.
Decision Making
Decide on what duties are owed to the applicant (e.g., interim duty, prevention duty, relief duty), progressing all homeless applications, notifying applicants within target times whilst ensuring all decisions comply with current legislation. Make appropriate referrals to partner agencies and organisations to help with issues such as access to private rented accommodation, benefits, relationship breakdown, debt, budgeting, warrant, substance misuse, domestic abuse, rough sleeping, mental health, health, support, complex needs and learning difficulties.
Record Keeping
Be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of all housing applications, assessments, decisions and outcomes. Use the case management system to record and update information in a timely and consistent manner. Ensure that all records are stored securely and comply with data protection and confidentiality policies.
Private Rented Sector Access
Assist applicants to access the private rented sector to prevent or relieve homelessness. Assess applicants financial situation and where appropriate, assist them with financial help to secure a tenancy via the Councils bond guarantee or rent deposit scheme.
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Complex Housing Officer employer: 5 Star Recruitment
Contact Detail:
5 Star Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Complex Housing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key homelessness legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing associations or local authority housing departments. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet people in the industry, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how you would handle various scenarios involving vulnerable applicants. Think about how you would approach sensitive situations and communicate effectively, as this is crucial for the Complex Housing Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by discussing any experience you have managing diverse caseloads. Be ready to provide examples of how you've prioritised tasks and met deadlines in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Complex Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your effective written and verbal communication skills, as well as your experience in dealing with a diverse range of people. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex caseloads and maintain detailed records.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your knowledge of homelessness legislation and your experience working within housing options teams. Use this opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully navigated challenging situations in the past.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work experience, focus on roles where you provided advice and assistance to vulnerable applicants. Highlight any partnerships you’ve formed with agencies to achieve positive outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no errors. Attention to detail is key for this position, so make sure your application reflects that quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at 5 Star Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Complex Housing Officer, effective communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with a diverse range of people. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex conversations.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
This role requires a resourceful and solution-focused mindset. Think of specific instances where you've overcome challenges or barriers in your previous roles. Highlight how you approached these situations and the positive outcomes that resulted.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Knowledge of homelessness legislation is essential for this position. Brush up on the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, and other relevant laws. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your preparedness and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking through potential situations you might encounter as a Complex Housing Officer, such as dealing with vulnerable applicants or managing a diverse caseload. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process effectively.