At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families at risk of homelessness with tailored housing solutions.
- Company: Local authority in Hampshire dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives and develop your skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create positive outcomes for those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness prevention and strong communication skills required.
We are currently seeking an experienced Homeless Prevention Officer to join a local authority in Hampshire. You will manage a varied caseload and work with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Using a person-centred approach, you will complete detailed housing options and support needs assessments, take appropriate action to prevent or relieve homelessness, and make statutory homelessness decisions under current legislation.
You will work closely with internal teams and external partners, including accommodation providers, community safety teams and support services, to identify suitable housing solutions and achieve positive outcomes for customers. The role will also involve supporting households with multiple and complex needs, so experience of using a trauma-informed approach is essential.
Key Requirements
- Previous experience working in homelessness prevention within a local authority
- Strong working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Experience managing a busy and complex caseload
- Ability to complete housing assessments and make legally sound homelessness decisions
- Strong communication, negotiation and partnership-working skills
- A person-centred and trauma-informed approach
- Essential: working knowledge of the JIGSAW case management system
How to Apply: If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you do not hear from us within 2 working days of applying, your application has been unsuccessful. If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status. Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from public sector professionals looking to make future connections.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
Homeless Prevention Officer employer: Carrington West
Carrington West is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on improving residential environments in Harlow, team members benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports professional advancement, making it an attractive place for experienced project managers looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention Officer
✨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 West.
✨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 West!
✨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 West, 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 West 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 Homeless Prevention Officer
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 West:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Carrington West! 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 West
✨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.
