At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to secure housing solutions for those at risk of homelessness.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, a leader in community support and housing services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on community impact and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46579 - 55224 £ per year.
As Service Manager, you will lead the Accommodation Finding Service, overseeing a team responsible for securing private rented and alternative housing solutions for households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will play a key role in expanding the availability of accommodation, building relationships with landlords and housing providers, and ensuring the service delivers excellent outcomes for residents.
You will:
- Lead, motivate and develop a team of Accommodation Finding Officers and Assistants.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with private landlords, housing providers and partner organisations.
- Procure properties.
- Negotiate incentives and housing solutions that support homelessness prevention and relief duties.
- Monitor service performance, analyse complex data and drive continuous improvement.
- Develop business cases, project plans and service improvement initiatives.
- Present performance information and service updates to a range of stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with homelessness, housing and private rented sector legislation.
- Represent Birmingham City Council at internal and external meetings, acting as a professional lead on accommodation-finding matters.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven leader who can inspire teams and deliver results in a fast-paced housing environment. You will have:
- Experience managing housing, homelessness, accommodation or related services.
- Proven experience leading and motivating teams within a performance-driven environment.
- Strong experience developing partnerships and building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, particularly when working with landlords and housing providers.
- Knowledge of private rented sector, homelessness and housing legislation.
- Experience analysing performance data and using insights to improve services.
- Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Experience managing projects, service improvements and change initiatives.
Please upload an up-to-date CV and Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. The Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the criteria for the role through your personal qualities, skills and experience and include your motivation for applying to the post. Note the Personal Statement should be no more than 1500 words.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Service Manager Accommodation Finding Service, Applications and Allocations Service employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of the UK's largest Commercial and Procurement Services. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on wellbeing, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decisions that impact the community. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive work culture that values diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Accommodation Finding Service, Applications and Allocations Service
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Birmingham City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Birmingham City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Birmingham City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Birmingham City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Accommodation Finding Service, Applications and Allocations Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Birmingham City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Birmingham City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
