At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families prevent homelessness with tailored support and housing advice.
- Company: Local authority dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, bi-weekly payments, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and create positive change in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
To provide a proactive and effective homelessness prevention service, working with individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The postholder will assess housing needs, deliver tailored housing advice and support, and take all reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness in accordance with relevant housing legislation. Using a person-centred and trauma-informed approach, the Homeless Prevention Officer will work collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and accommodation providers to achieve positive housing outcomes and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Conduct comprehensive housing options interviews, support needs assessments, and risk assessments.
- Provide accurate housing advice and guidance in line with homelessness legislation and council policy.
- Develop and implement Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) to prevent or relieve homelessness.
- Make statutory decisions and homelessness determinations in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Identify practical and sustainable housing solutions for applicants through prevention and relief activities.
- Liaise with landlords, housing providers, support agencies, social services, health professionals, and community partners to secure accommodation and support services.
- Maintain accurate case records and ensure all documentation is completed to a high standard.
- Apply a trauma-informed and safeguarding-focused approach when working with vulnerable individuals and families.
- Assist applicants with accessing financial assistance, support services, and tenancy sustainment resources.
- Monitor case progress and ensure statutory duties, service standards, and performance targets are achieved.
- Attend meetings, case reviews, and multi-agency forums as required.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of homelessness prevention and social inclusion services.
Requirements
- Experience working within homelessness prevention, housing advice, housing options, or a related housing service.
- Strong working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience conducting housing assessments and managing complex casework.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and working with vulnerable individuals and families.
- Ability to develop effective housing solutions and negotiate with landlords, support agencies, and housing providers.
- Excellent communication, report-writing, and customer service skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a demanding caseload.
- Experience of working collaboratively within multi-agency environments.
- Ability to apply a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to service delivery.
- Proficient in the use of housing management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and excellent customer care.
Additional Information
- Hours per Week: 37 Hours
- Location: Hybrid Working (Average of 3 days per week in the office)
- Bi-Weekly Payments: Yes (Paid Every Two Weeks)
Homelessness Prevention Worker in Basingstoke employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention Worker in Basingstoke
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Civic Recruitment Limited, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention Worker in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Civic Recruitment Limited. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Civic Recruitment Limited. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Homelessness Prevention Worker role at Civic Recruitment Limited, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Civic Recruitment Limited that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
