At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness by providing advice and finding sustainable housing solutions.
- Company: Brighton & Hove Council, committed to diversity and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while tackling homelessness in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills and knowledge of housing issues; lived experience 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 & Hove, of the kind of interventions which can prevent homelessness and a real commitment to achieving good results for customers. We would encourage applications from those with insight into lived experience.
Brighton & Hove is a brilliant place to live and work; 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 & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
Additional information
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term‑time only. Please note that this post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Criminal Records Check. We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work‑life balance and team collaboration. These would be part of your individual working arrangements alongside any personal preference agreed with your manager in advance of joining. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team and travel to and from your contractual location would be at your own expense.
Homelessness Prevention Officer in Hove employer: Brighton
As a Homelessness Prevention Officer at Hove Town Hall, you will join a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals facing housing challenges. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and flexibility, allowing you to thrive while contributing to innovative solutions for homelessness in the vibrant community of Brighton & Hove. With opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with experienced colleagues, this role offers a meaningful career path in a city renowned for its diversity and commitment to social justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention Officer in Hove
✨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. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to helping those facing homelessness. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on housing laws and local issues. Being knowledgeable about the current housing situation in Brighton & Hove will show that you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention Officer in Hove
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 Your People Skills:This role is all about engaging with clients, so highlight your exceptional people skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships or helped others 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 creativity. Whether it’s a unique approach you’ve taken in past roles or ideas you have for this position, let us know how you think outside the box.
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 ready to take the next step in joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to real-life situations will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to helping those in need.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your exceptional people skills. Think about times when you've successfully engaged with clients or colleagues, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support vulnerable individuals.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you've adapted your approach in previous roles to meet diverse client needs. The ability to innovate and find creative solutions is key in this position, so share specific instances where you’ve successfully navigated change.
✨Research Brighton & Hove's Housing Situation
Understand the current housing challenges faced by residents in Brighton & Hove. Being knowledgeable about local issues will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine commitment to making a difference in the community.
