At a Glance
- Tasks: Help customers facing homelessness by providing advice and support in a friendly manner.
- Company: Join a local government team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with flexible hours and the chance to extend your contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable lives while developing your customer service skills.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with office attendance 2-3 times a week.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
One of my local government clients are currently recruiting an experienced Gateway Customer Service Officer on a temporary basis. This is a 3-month minimum contract with the possibility of the role being extended further to work Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Hybrid working role where, however, you will be required to attend the office 2/3 times a week.
Overview:
The purpose of this position is to provide a customer focussed service to meet the housing needs of customers who are threatened with homelessness or who are homeless. The position will interview customers face to face to provide housing advice, assistance and support to prevent homelessness where possible. The position will be responsible for the maintenance of the Personalised Housing Plans when customers are interviewed or receive housing advice, assistance and support over the telephone or via all electronic modes of communication. The position will assess the customers' housing needs and provide housing solutions to meet the customers' housing needs. To serve as the first point of contact for all customers with housing needs adopting the council’s fairer future principles and a win-win approach in assisting such clients. This position is fundamental to the provision of services to vulnerable customers who may approach the council for assistance through the Children’s Act, the Care Act, and all relevant housing legislation including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Responsibilities:
- To receive and deal with members of the public, tenants, contractors, visitors and council staff in a professional and efficient manner with due regard to customer care standards.
- To provide advice and assistance to customers attending the Council’s Homesearch Centre and ensure that they receive the help they require at the earliest opportunity.
- To administer appointments for all services where clients require additional assistance after being provided with the right advice required.
- To provide a daily telephone advice service on behalf of Housing Solutions Service for customers with housing related problems including those at risk of homelessness providing them with comprehensive advice to resolve their query or to enable them to access services, including making appointments and signposting them to other services.
- To ensure full and accurate records of all clients, all advice and support provided.
- To draft letters and reports on correspondence, complaints and Member Enquiries and to advise team and senior managers as appropriate and to access the housing options inbox and respond to emails or forward to the most appropriate team/service.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please send your CV to Jahker Miah from Coyle Personnel Ltd.
Gateway Customer Service Officer employer: Coyles
Contact Detail:
Coyles Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gateway Customer Service Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation related to housing and homelessness, such as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging in role-play scenarios. This can help you prepare for the face-to-face interactions you'll have with clients, ensuring you can provide the best support possible.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the housing sector or local government. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and make connections that could be beneficial when applying for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss real-life examples of how you've helped others in challenging situations. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and your dedication to providing excellent customer service.
We think you need these skills to ace Gateway Customer Service Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Gateway Customer Service Officer position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your customer service experience, particularly in housing or social services. Emphasise skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy, which are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping vulnerable customers and your understanding of housing legislation. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coyles
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Gateway Customer Service Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the role, especially in providing customer service and handling sensitive situations.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
Since this role involves working with vulnerable customers, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully assisted individuals in difficult situations, highlighting your ability to listen and provide support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and customer service approach. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would handle them, particularly regarding homelessness and housing issues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on key legislation such as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant laws. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the legal framework surrounding housing services.