At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers with their right-to-work applications and provide essential welfare support.
- Company: Join Mears, a leader in providing housing support with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company vehicle, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for community volunteering and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and a passion for helping vulnerable communities.
The predicted salary is between 29856 - 29856 £ per year.
Annual salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum, including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance.
Location: South Tyneside & Sunderland.
Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. There is an expectation that any candidates will need to undertake out‑of‑hours duties. This will be for one week out of twelve and includes being on standby. The duty is paid at £30 per weekday and £50 on weekend days, with overtime paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
About the Role
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The Housing Support Officer will support asylum seekers through their right‑to‑work application process with the Home Office, providing practical and emotional support, addressing safeguarding and welfare needs, monitoring wellbeing, and keeping accurate records for compliance. The role is responsible for delivering a high‑quality housing management and support service to service users, combining property management with person‑centred support. The post holder will manage a portfolio of homes within an assigned region, ensuring properties are maintained to contractual standards while safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of all service users.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating move‑ins, move‑outs, voids and inspections
- Monitoring compliance with key performance indicators
- Identifying and managing risks
- Working collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, care providers and community organisations
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
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day
- Volunteering leave – paid time for community volunteering
- Staff perks through Mears Rewards – discounts on groceries, holidays, eye tests, share‑save scheme and more
- Family‑friendly policies
- Company vehicle and fuel card
- Access to EAP counselling sessions
Eligibility and Background Checks
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK; Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship. All roles are subject to relevant background, identity and security checks before commencement of employment, including a Background, Identity, Security clearance and BPSS check. Candidates will be required to provide proof of address, references, a valid passport and evidence of residence in the UK for the last five years.
Equal Opportunities
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 have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We also hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
Social Mobility Commitment
During the application stages, candidates may be invited to voluntarily share their background information to help us better understand the diversity of our applicants. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
Housing Support Officer in Sunderland employer: CIH International Housing Group
Mears Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Housing Support Officers in South Tyneside & Sunderland. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, volunteering opportunities, and access to counselling services, all while fostering professional growth through diverse client interactions and community engagement. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of asylum seekers while enjoying a rewarding career with competitive pay and a company vehicle.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Mears and understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in supporting asylum seekers. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and attend industry events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle real-life scenarios related to supporting vulnerable individuals. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing the Housing Support Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Housing Support Officer role. We want to see how you can support asylum seekers and manage properties effectively!
Showcase Your Empathy:This role is all about providing emotional and practical support. Use your application to demonstrate your understanding of working with vulnerable groups and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team at Mears!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like supporting asylum seekers, managing properties, and ensuring compliance. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
Since this role involves working with vulnerable individuals, be prepared to discuss your experience in providing emotional support and maintaining professional boundaries. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups or handled challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Practice responses to potential scenarios, such as how you would support an asylum seeker facing difficulties with their application or how you'd manage a property issue while ensuring the wellbeing of residents.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Initiative
The job requires flexibility and the ability to work independently. Be ready to share examples of times when you've shown resilience and taken the initiative in previous roles. This could include instances where you had to adapt to changing circumstances or go above and beyond to meet the needs of clients.
