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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by assessing applicants' needs and eligibility.
- Company: Join Colchester Borough Homes, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Understanding of housing laws and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Job description
Full Time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday) Permanent
The Housing Solutions service at CBH, where we are focused on preventing and relieving homelessness wherever possible. The service faces a range of challenges, with an increasing demand for accommodation without an adequate supply of housing. From April 2018 the enactment of the Homeless Reduction Act has brought further challenges.
We are looking for Initial Assessment Officers with an understanding of the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 (as amended) and an understanding of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. You will be expected to use an innovative approach to determining if an Applicant is Eligible, Homeless or Threatened with Homelessness within 56 days. manage your own performance and contribute to the development of the service.
You will be customer focussed and be able to manage a wide and varied workload, whilst meeting our business objectives and performance targets.
We offer a range of benefits which include flexible working, staff benefits, pension, and the opportunity to make a real difference to our local community.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a 20.8 % employer contribution
- Excellent training, development, and progression opportunities
- Generous annual leave entitlement, 23 days annual leave (increasing to 26 days after 5 years\’ service), plus bank and public holidays and two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.
- The opportunity to buy up to another 5 days holiday, subject to conditions
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
- Provision of a smartphone and laptop
- Discounted gym member – corporate membership rate at Leisure World and the Northern Gateway
- 1 Volunteering Day per year
- Free Flu Jab
- Exceptional flexible working arrangement
- Agile Working at Colchester Borough Homes means having some flexibility about when, where and how we work to best meet the needs of our role and service area.
- Other employee benefits include payment of a professional subscription, Free yearly eye tests plus a contribution towards glasses for VDU use.
You can find out more about Colchester Borough Homes by visiting: www.cbhomes.org.uk.
Responsibilities
If you wish to discuss the post further, please contact Housing Solutions Team Leader, Louise Johnson on 01206 282728.
How to apply
- Step 1 – Read the advert, Job Accountability Statement and Person Specification
- Step 2 – Click ‘Apply online’ below and complete the application form in full, ensuring that you indicate how you meet the criteria contained within the Person Specification
- Step 3 – Press ‘submit’
Equality & Diversity Commitment
Colchester Borough Homes are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our continued commitment to Equality and Diversity, and our workforce accurately reflecting the community we represent, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and applicants who have status as an individual with a physical or mental disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer and a Mindful Employer. We also hold accreditations for Working Well, Investors in People Gold status and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Job Details
Interview date to be confirmed
If you would like to discuss the post further, please contact Housing Solutions Team Leader, Louise Johnson on 01206 282728.
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Housing Solutions Initial Assessment Officer employer: Colchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Colchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Initial Assessment Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Colchester Borough Homes. Understand their mission and values, especially around preventing homelessness. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of an Initial Assessment Officer, especially your understanding of the Housing Act and the Homeless Reduction Act.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer focus! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed diverse workloads and met performance targets in the past. Highlight your innovative approach to problem-solving, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Initial Assessment Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand the role and its responsibilities, so make sure you know what we're looking for in an Initial Assessment Officer.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates highlight their relevant experience and skills that match the Person Specification. Show us how your background aligns with our mission to prevent and relieve homelessness.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the criteria. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage a varied workload effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by clicking ‘Apply online’. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and it ensures you don’t miss any important details about the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Know Your Housing Acts
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. Understanding these laws is crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss how they apply to real-life scenarios during your interview.
✨Show Your Customer Focus
This role is all about helping people in need, so demonstrate your customer service skills. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for a client or resolved a difficult situation effectively.
✨Prepare for Performance Management Questions
Since you'll be managing your own performance, expect questions about how you set and achieve goals. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to meet targets and contribute to team objectives.
✨Emphasise Your Innovative Approach
The job requires an innovative approach to assessing applicants. Be ready to share ideas or methods you've used in the past to solve problems creatively, especially in challenging situations related to housing.