At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their right-to-work application process with practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Join Mears, a leader in providing temporary accommodation and support for vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company vehicle, and discounts on groceries and holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social value and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a full UK driving licence are essential for this role.
The predicted salary is between 28917 - 28917 € per year.
Annual salary: up to £28,917.00
Location: Aberdeen
Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. At the end of May 2021 Mears had over 19000 service users across the three regions. Mears works in partnership with central and local Government, registered providers, tenants, landlords and investors to find solutions to homelessness, provide more social and affordable housing and create specialist housing for people with care needs.
About the Role
We are looking for a Housing Support Officer to join our expanding team. This rewarding role focuses on supporting asylum seekers through their right-to-work application process with the Home Office. You will provide both practical and emotional support, address safeguarding and welfare needs, monitor wellbeing, and keep accurate records for compliance. Every day is different, and while the role can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding for someone who is resilient, empathetic, and people focused.
Role Criteria
- Support asylum seekers throughout their application process, ensuring welfare and safeguarding needs are met
- Provide practical and emotional support to individuals and families
- Identify needs and put in place support packages to promote independence
- Work with vulnerable and diverse client groups, including those with mental health needs or challenging behaviours
- Carry out risk assessments and maintain accurate records for audits and compliance
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, service users, local authorities, and partner organisations
- Maintain professional boundaries while being approachable, empathetic, and supportive
- Work independently, showing resilience and initiative
- Flexible and willing to travel between sites
- Hold a full UK driving licence
Benefits we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
- Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
- Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more
- Family friendly policies
- Company Vehicle and Fuel Card
- Access to EAP Counselling sessions
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship. Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment. As part of the recruitment process for this role, we will carry out a Background, Identity, Security clearance & BPSS check. For these checks to be completed, we will require from you the relevant identification, including Proof of Address, References, a valid passport and proof that you have lived in the UK for the last 5 years.
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all. We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to coincide with this, we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. This is to ensure we are committed to improving social mobility. We use the Social Mobility Index to assess and enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
Housing Support Officer in Aberdeen employer: CIH International Housing Group
Mears Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Aberdeen for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of asylum seekers. With a focus on employee wellbeing, Mears provides generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a company vehicle, and opportunities for personal growth through volunteering initiatives. Join a team that values resilience and empathy, where every day presents a rewarding challenge in promoting independence and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Contact Detail:
CIH International Housing Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing support sector, especially those who work with asylum seekers. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Home Office processes and safeguarding needs. Show us you’re not just passionate but also informed about the challenges faced by asylum seekers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Housing Support Officer, you'll need to connect with diverse groups. Role-play scenarios with friends to build your confidence in handling sensitive conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Housing Support Officer role. Highlight your experience with vulnerable groups and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to our team!
Showcase Your Empathy:In your application, emphasise your ability to provide emotional support and understand the needs of asylum seekers. Share examples of how you've helped others in challenging situations. We value resilience and empathy, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Housing Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around supporting asylum seekers and addressing their welfare needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role requires a lot of emotional intelligence. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've supported vulnerable individuals or worked with diverse client groups. Highlight your ability to be approachable and empathetic while maintaining professional boundaries.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think about situations where you've had to carry out risk assessments or manage challenging behaviours. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the support systems in place for staff, or how Mears measures success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
