At a Glance
- Tasks: Interview and assess individuals facing homelessness, providing vital housing options and support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on preventing homelessness and supporting the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 33603 - 35360 £ per year.
Main Purpose
- To interview and assess homeless people.
- To prevent homelessness by promoting housing options.
- To determine whether applicants are owed a statutory duty under the 1996 Housing Act, Part 7 as amended.
- To advise those who are threatened with homelessness in order to prevent homelessness.
- To assess the entitlements of single non-priority homeless people and give them statutory advice and assistance.
- To participate in and help develop outreach work, such as advice surgeries.
- To provide advice to private sector tenants.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Prevention Functions- To interview customers, to assess whether homelessness can be prevented in any way.
- To assess whether those who are threatened with homelessness qualify for private sector options, based on the likelihood of their meeting the criteria for the full housing duty under the Housing Act Part 7 as amended.
- To explain housing options clearly and lawfully to qualifying customers and to promote the idea, to interest as many customers as possible.
- To negotiate with applicants and explain the benefits of taking up housing options in a positive way.
- To complete interview notes and forms correctly.
- To administer a case load of options cases and ensure they are progressed efficiently.
- To investigate homelessness applications to recommend whether a statutory duty is owed to the applicant under the supervision of the senior officer.
- To interview applicants and take detailed statements concerning their eligibility, priority need, homelessness, intentional homelessness and local connection.
- To make detailed enquiries to outside agencies and authorities in order to verify and obtain further information about the above and to investigate the applicants statement.
- To prevent fraud and protect resources.
- To carry out on a rota basis, unaccompanied visits to applicants homes and other private addresses, in order to confirm homelessness, negotiate with licensors and evaluate the domestic situation.
- To draft statutory decision letters on applications for amendment by a senior officer which explain decisions to applicants, quote legislation and case law, appropriate to that decision and explain the reasons for that decision.
- To identify cases of fraud and misrepresentation under supervision and ensure appropriate legal action can be taken.
- To understand when the council is obliged in law to offer interim/emergency accommodation and under supervision to minimise booking into temporary accommodation.
- To recommend booking in cases where a statutory duty is apparent.
- To gather information to help decide whether the council has a statutory duty to protect an applicant's personal property.
- To discuss with the temporary accommodation and floating support officer if this is to be done.
- To assess prima facie non-priority cases under the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 as amended, to issue statutory decision letters in these cases and to offer advice and assistance to enable this group to seek their own housing.
- To receive complaints of threatened or actual harassment, illegal eviction etc.
- Conduct interviews and obtain the facts for referral to the senior options adviser for detailed casework which may result in the local authority bringing a prosecution.
- To be aware and understand the council's equal opportunities policy and ensure that at all times the duties of the post are carried out in accordance with the policy.
- Ensure that within the scope of the job purpose the council's aims in relation to customer service are achieved.
- Ensure that the corporate and departmental health and safety policies are implemented at all times and to raise any concerns regarding the operation or any health and safety matter with the appropriate senior Manager.
- Undertake such other duties as may be required by or on behalf of the Director or head of Service provided they fall within the range and scope of the duties of the post as set out in the proceeding paragraphs and are commensurate with the grade of the post.
Working Hours
- Start Time: 09:00
- End Time: 17:00
- 35 hours per week
- Pay Rate - £21.00
Housing Options Advisor in Cardiff employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Advisor in Cardiff
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment!
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment, 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment 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 Options Advisor in Cardiff
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 Carrington Blake Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Carrington Blake Recruitment! 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨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.
