At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support vulnerable households in a diverse community.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary championing rights for all.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and knowledge of homelessness support.
The predicted salary is between 42912 - 44235 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
As a Homeless Prevention Officer, you will have an excellent working knowledge of homelessness and allocations. You will have experience of delivering a high level of customer service, providing assistance to those seeking re-housing, including those affected by homelessness. You will be a great communicator, who is performance driven, with a commitment to delivering a high-quality housing options service. You will be required to carry out full investigations into a person's homelessness application, in accordance with the Homeless Reduction Act and be committed to safeguarding vulnerable households.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
We are looking for a high performing individual who is committed to excellent standards of customer service in a fast paced environment.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
- The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check
- The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.
It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed. For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Fergus Downie, Service Manager at Fergus.Downie@lewisham.gov.uk.
Salary
£42,912 - £44,235 per annum (SO2). N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Lewisham Council and its initiatives, especially around homelessness prevention. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Homelessness Prevention Officer, you'll need to be a great communicator. Role-play potential interview questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to housing and community services. Building relationships can give you insights and potentially a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application guidelines closely and highlight how your experience aligns with the person specification. A well-crafted application can set you apart from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what the role entails. Highlight key responsibilities and requirements that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it directly addresses each criterion in the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these criteria – we want to see your skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and flows well. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to guide you through the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of homelessness issues and the Homeless Reduction Act. Brush up on local policies and how they impact the community. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've delivered exceptional customer service, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve helped individuals navigate complex processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific scenarios related to homelessness assessments. Think through potential challenges and your approach to resolving them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable households.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.