At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice and support to those facing homelessness.
- Company: Local Authority in Slough, dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Immediate start available with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by preventing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing needs and knowledge of relevant legislation.
We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Slough to assist with the appointment of a Housing Needs Officer, on a 6.5-month contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.
Rate of Pay: £20.80 - £27.42 per hour
Summary: The Housing Needs Officer will provide a comprehensive, customer-focused housing advice and homelessness service to individuals who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The role will also involve completing and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), delivering homelessness prevention and relief services, and identifying sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Investigate homelessness applications and assess applicants' circumstances in accordance with relevant housing and homelessness legislation.
- Provide a responsive frontline homelessness prevention, relief and main duty service to customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Provide current and bespoke housing and homelessness prevention advice to customers.
- Complete, issue, monitor and regularly update Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), including setting appropriate review dates.
- Agree tailored actions with customers and identify steps that both the customer and Housing Team can take to prevent or relieve homelessness.
- Issue Relief and Main Duty acceptance or discharge letters and communicate Council decisions in writing.
Essentials:
- Relevant experience in housing needs, homelessness, housing advice or a closely related local authority service.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of housing and homelessness legislation and associated legal frameworks.
- Experience of assessing homelessness applications and determining the duty owed to applicants.
- Experience of completing and managing Personalised Housing Plans.
- Experience of detailed casework involving homelessness prevention and relief.
Please note: You should be available to work immediately or at short notice. You should have the right to work in the U.K. This role requires a Basic DBS.
Housing Needs Officer in Slough employer: Brackenberry
Slough Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where public health professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development and community impact, the role of Public Health Intelligence Officer provides opportunities for meaningful contributions through data analysis and strategic initiatives. Located in Slough, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation and evidence-based decision-making, making it an ideal place for those passionate about public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Needs Officer in Slough
✨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 Brackenberry.
✨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 Brackenberry!
✨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 Brackenberry, 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 Brackenberry 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 Housing Needs Officer in Slough
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 Brackenberry:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Brackenberry! 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 Brackenberry
✨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.
