At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness with tailored prevention and intervention services.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, dedicated to community welfare and sustainable services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and great benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to community collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by preventing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing legislation and experience in support services required.
The predicted salary is between 42060 - 43680 £ per year.
Salary range: Grade 9 (£42,060 - £43,680 p.a.) plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
About the role
To provide a bespoke homeless prevention and intervention caseworker service to those approaching the service with a housing need. To carry out early homeless prevention activities. Advise on a range of housing issues and welfare benefits, assessing support needs and working with multiple internal and external services to alleviate homelessness and provide households with positive options and sustainable housing solutions. As well as preventing homelessness, you will be expected to carry out in-depth homelessness inquiries and make legally sound decisions under the relevant legislation.
You will be required to carry out:
- Discretionary housing homeless prevention payments.
- Provision of emergency accommodation/relief accommodation.
- Makes decisions under Homeless legislation and the Housing Act relating to the security of tenure.
- To devise a Personalised Housing Plan with applicants with the primary aim of preventing homelessness.
- Required to carry out home visits.
About you
You should have:
- Thorough knowledge of the legislation and duties owed to homeless persons by the Council under Part VI and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 & Localism Act 2011.
- Knowledge of the duties owed to young people under the Children's Act 1989.
- Knowledge of Landlord & Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985, and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
- Detailed working knowledge of homeless prevention initiatives and their application and effectiveness.
- Detailed working knowledge of the welfare benefits system and its application.
About Us
Croydon Council's priorities include balancing its books, listening to residents, and delivering good sustainable services. The council aims to become financially sustainable, respect and work in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses, strengthen collaboration with partner organisations, ensure good governance, and develop a workforce that respects community diversity.
Key business plan outcomes:
- Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning.
- Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential.
- Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home.
- People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer.
Croydon Council's new ways of working include an Equal Opportunities Statement, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, flexible working arrangements and hybrid working are supported. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.
Homeless Intervention and Prevention Officer employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Intervention and 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 CIH International Housing Group.
✨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 CIH International Housing Group!
✨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 CIH International Housing Group, 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 CIH International Housing Group 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 Intervention and 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 CIH International Housing Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CIH International Housing Group! 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 CIH International Housing Group
✨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.
