At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness by providing advice and finding sustainable housing solutions.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Hove Town Hall making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to prevent homelessness and improve lives in Brighton.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills and a passion for helping others; housing knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 39152 € per year.
Location: Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ
Salary: £34,434 – £39,152
Hours: 37 flexi hours
Contract: Fixed term 1 year
Do you have a strong knowledge of housing issues within the city? Are you a confident team player, wanting to improve experiences for homeless adults? We are looking to hire a Homelessness Prevention Officer who will work with applicants who have been assessed as not in priority need for interim accommodation. You will be applying the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act to support people to engage with the homeless application process and maintain or find a suitable, settled home. You will be working to find creative solutions to people’s housing need and work with colleagues to improve service delivery to reduce the impact of homelessness on single applicants.
About the role
The successful candidate will advise people on a wide range of housing issues and welfare benefits, assess support needs and work in partnership with relevant agencies to find sustainable housing solutions. Where we are unable to prevent or relieve homelessness you will be required to carry out an assessment under the homeless legislation to determine any longer‑term housing duty. A robust knowledge of the main causes for homelessness and legal and other remedies available is required and you will need to demonstrate an ability to innovate and adapt your approach to meet the needs of your clients.
We are looking for an exceptional and motivated person who is resilient and adaptable to change. As well as the usual administration of homelessness applications (inquiries, decisions, notifications of duties etc), the post holder will be proactive in engaging and building relationships with services to improve outcomes for those facing homelessness. The role will involve engaging with clients who may face barriers to engage, including carrying out home visits and working across services in the city to get the best possible outcomes for our customers, residents and homeless applicants. A person‑centred, psychologically‑informed approach will be essential.
You do not need to be an expert in homelessness law although you will need to be able to apply housing law in your day to day work. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional people skills and a proven track record in obtaining successful outcomes for clients. Importantly, you must have an understanding of the current housing situation faced by residents of Brighton. Our services are nationally recognised and you will be working with experienced colleagues who are directly informing national initiatives through high profile work with central Government. You will need to offer excellent organisational, casework and case‑management skills and an ability to positively engage with homeless applicants within the context of a housing market that is difficult to access.
Encouraging a diverse workforce
Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it’s what makes Brighton.
Homelessness Prevention Officer employer: Brighton
As a Homelessness Prevention Officer at Hove Town Hall, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of homeless individuals. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing you with opportunities for professional growth while addressing critical housing issues in a vibrant and diverse community. With flexible working hours and a focus on employee well-being, we ensure that our staff are equipped to deliver impactful solutions in a challenging environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with organisations that focus on homelessness prevention. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities we might not find online.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to homelessness and housing issues. We should also think about our own experiences and how they relate to the role, so we can share real-life examples that showcase our skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express our appreciation and reiterate our enthusiasm for the role. It shows we’re genuinely interested and can help us stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We often have exclusive listings and resources that can give us an edge in the job market. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored to our skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing issues and the relevant laws like the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act. We want to see that you understand the challenges faced by homeless individuals and how you can help them navigate the system.
Show Off Your People Skills:This role is all about engaging with clients, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships and supported people in challenging situations. We love a good story!
Be Creative:We’re looking for innovative solutions to housing needs, so don’t be afraid to showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Think about times when you’ve had to adapt your approach to meet someone’s unique needs and highlight those experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and know where to find us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton
✨Know Your Housing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Homelessness Prevention Officer.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients in the past. Think about times when you've had to adapt your approach to meet someone's needs, especially if they faced barriers. This role is all about building relationships, so let your interpersonal skills shine!
✨Be Ready to Innovate
Think of creative solutions you've implemented in previous roles or situations. The interviewers will want to see that you can think outside the box when it comes to finding housing solutions for those in need. Bring specific examples to the table!
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the current housing situation in Brighton. Knowing the local challenges and opportunities will help you demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for residents and homeless applicants. It shows you're not just interested in the job, but in making a real difference in the community.
