Housing Options Officer

Housing Options Officer

Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help customers find housing solutions and prevent homelessness through supportive interviews.
  • Company: Join Aberdeen City Council, a diverse and inclusive employer dedicated to community welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and a supportive environment tailored to your needs.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social services.
  • Qualifications: Minimum standard grade education; experience in customer service and housing advice is a plus.
  • Other info: We offer guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants and are committed to equality and diversity.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

About the Role:

The postholder is responsible for carrying diagnostic interviews with customers
seeking housing advice with the intention of resolving their issues to allow them to
remain in their home or to assist them in souring alternative accommodation in a
planned manner. The primary function of the post is to prevent households from
becoming homeless to reduce the need for crisis interventions. Where households
do become homeless the post holder is responsible for coordinating the council’s
response and leading customers through the process efficiently.

The post holder needs to hold as a minimum:

Educated to standard grade level or equivalent

The postholder is able to demonstrate:

Skills and experience in:

Working with customers in face-to-face environments

Assessing and meeting the support needs of individuals

Working within the National Standards for Advice & Information framework to provide Type II Casework

Carrying out diagnostic interviews to identify customer’s problems and related issues

Understanding of:

Providing housing and homelessness prevention advice and information

Resettling households and tenancy sustainment

Housing and Homelessness related legislation

Working with related agencies (health, substance misuse, mental health, advice & information, social care & wellbeing, criminal justice, etc)

Working with related services provided by external agencies

Mediation

Aberdeen City Council’s Scheme of Allocations

The local housing market and social landlords operating in Aberdeen

Commitment to:

Working with those with the most complex needs

About Us

Please see Job Profile for further details.

Aberdeen City Council is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Flexible Working

We are happy to talk flexible working and offer flexible working for most roles in the organisation meaning that many of our employees enjoy the freedom of choosing a working pattern that suits them as much as it suits the organisation.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you consider yourself to have a disability and think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for this part of the selection process, or would like further information in relation to reasonable adjustments, please contact AskHR@aberdeencity.gov.uk .

We are a forces-friendly employer, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a silver award recipient in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We have a specific email address for those in the forces, those who have left the forces, as well as their partners / spouses / families: armedforces@aberdeencity.gov.uk . We are able to answer questions about jobs and our application / selection process, as well as about our employee support provisions.

We have a number of guaranteed interview schemes available to applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our roles and who:

  • have a disability
  • are care-experienced and aged 16-29
  • are aged 16-24 and live in Aberdeen City or have been to an Aberdeen City Council school and are applying for a Modern Apprenticeship (except Trades apprenticeships)
  • have done a Foundation Apprenticeship with Aberdeen City Council and are applying for any apprenticeships relevant to the area in which they did their Foundation Apprenticeship
  • are New Scots aged 16-24 and are applying for any apprenticeships

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Housing Options Officer employer: Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community by helping prevent homelessness and supporting those in need. The council's dedication to training and development ensures that staff are equipped with the skills necessary to excel in their roles, making it a rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Aberdeen City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the local housing market and the specific challenges faced by residents in Aberdeen. Understanding the nuances of the area will help you provide tailored advice during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with local agencies and organisations that deal with housing and homelessness. Building relationships with these groups can provide you with valuable insights and resources to assist your clients effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your diagnostic interviewing skills. Role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues can help you become more comfortable and effective in identifying customer needs during real interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on housing and homelessness legislation. Being knowledgeable about current laws and policies will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your credibility when advising clients.

We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer

Customer Service Skills
Diagnostic Interviewing
Knowledge of Housing Legislation
Homelessness Prevention Strategies
Assessment and Support Planning
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Mediation Skills
Understanding of Local Housing Market
Collaboration with External Agencies
Casework Management
Empathy and Compassion
Adaptability to Complex Needs
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Housing Options Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key skills and experiences required, such as conducting diagnostic interviews and providing housing advice.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in customer service, casework, and knowledge of housing legislation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to assess and meet the support needs of individuals.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping those with complex needs. Mention your understanding of homelessness prevention and your commitment to working within the National Standards for Advice & Information framework.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aberdeen City Council

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Options Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as conducting diagnostic interviews and providing housing advice. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with customers in face-to-face environments. Highlight any specific instances where you assessed support needs or provided advice related to housing and homelessness. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the job.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Legislation

Brush up on housing and homelessness-related legislation, as well as the local housing market in Aberdeen. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.

✨Prepare Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the council's approach to homelessness prevention or how they collaborate with external agencies. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

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