At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people facing housing difficulties by conducting assessments and providing support.
- Company: Dorset Council, dedicated to creating a fairer and more sustainable community.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, comprehensive training, generous leave, and job security.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Customer-focused experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29723 - 36329 £ per year.
We're looking for an empathetic, organised and confident individual to join our Homelessness Prevention, Advice and Resettlement Team as a Housing Assessor. As the first point of contact, you'll play a vital role in helping people facing housing difficulties across Dorset.
In this fast-paced, customer-focused role, you'll carry out detailed assessments, gathering essential documentation and evidence to support people under the Homelessness Reduction Act. You'll manage sensitive and complex cases with professionalism, always aiming to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
Your responsibilities will include:
- conducting thorough interviews to assess housing need
- identifying appropriate homelessness prevention tools and support
- working closely with customers and partner agencies
- gathering and verifying key documentation
- making sound, legally-informed decisions under pressure
- maintaining accurate and timely case records
This is a rewarding and meaningful role where you'll be supported to grow your skills and knowledge in housing legislation and prevention. You'll be working as part of a team that genuinely changes lives, with training and support every step of the way. You’ll benefit from:
- full-time role with flexible hybrid working
- a supportive team committed to making a difference
- comprehensive training in housing legislation and practice
- opportunities to develop professionally in a specialist field
- generous leave and pension entitlements
- job security and a clear purpose in your work
What we're looking for:
- experience in a customer-focused or confidential environment
- strong communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- ability to gather and analyse information quickly and objectively
- understanding of housing and homelessness legislation (or a willingness to learn)
- a calm and professional approach under pressure
If you care about helping others and want to support people at one of the most challenging points in their lives, this could be the role for you. This post requires you to have access to sensitive information. It will be subject to a Basic Criminal Records Check.
At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future. We provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents, work in partnership to make a real difference, value every role and the impact it has on our communities, and support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive.
You will:
- be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
- have access to a range of benefits and support
- receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.
This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. If you're passionate about making a difference, we'd love you to join us.
Housing Assessor - Homelessness in Wimborne Minster 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 Housing Assessor - Homelessness in Wimborne Minster
✨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 Housing Assessor - Homelessness in Wimborne Minster
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.
