At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice and support to those facing homelessness.
- Company: Buckingham Futures, a proactive team dedicated to housing solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid working after training, supportive team environment, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a dynamic and impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advisory roles and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Buckingham Futures are seeking an experienced and proactive Housing Options Triage Officer to join their busy Housing Team on a temporary 3-month basis. This role will involve providing housing advice, homelessness prevention support, and triage assessments to customers approaching the Council with housing-related issues. You will act as the first point of contact for new enquiries, assessing risk, providing guidance, and supporting residents to access suitable accommodation and support services.
Please note: During the initial training period, attendance in the Council offices full-time is required. Thereafter, hybrid working will apply with office attendance required 3 days per week.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the first point of contact for all new housing enquiries
- Conduct initial triage assessments for households approaching the service
- Assess risk of homelessness at first point of contact
- Provide early intervention and housing advice to households at risk of homelessness
- Manage and progress triage casework where required
- Respond to general housing enquiries via telephone and email
- Deliver verbal and written advice on a wide range of housing matters
- Advise customers on available housing options including:
- Private rented accommodation
- Deposit and rent-in-advance schemes
- Renting rooms/lodgings
- Social housing
- Mediation services
- Supported accommodation
- Provide guidance on:
- Homelessness
- Security of tenure
- Harassment and illegal eviction
- Property disrepair
- Benefits and money management
- Relationship breakdown
- Domestic abuse
- Support residents to access services that help them secure or sustain accommodation
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partner agencies
- Recent experience working within a Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention, or similar housing advisory role
- Good understanding of current homelessness legislation and housing guidance
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to remain empathetic, professional, and non-judgemental
- Excellent investigative and assessment skills
- Ability to manage a busy and varied caseload
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
If you are interested in this opportunity and have relevant housing experience, we would love to hear from you.
Housing Options Triage Officer in Colchester employer: Buckingham Futures
Buckingham Futures is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful role in housing support, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on hybrid working arrangements after initial training, employees benefit from flexibility while making a real difference in the community by assisting residents in securing suitable accommodation. The company values its staff, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance skills in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Triage Officer in Colchester
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Triage Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckingham Futures
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Buckingham Futures.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Buckingham Futures that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
