At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness and help them find suitable accommodation.
- Company: Dartford Housing Services, dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make an impact, supportive team environment, and personal fulfilment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join us to create positive change and enhance lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Dartford Housing Services really value the contribution our staff make and in return, we offer the opportunity to ‘make a difference’ and go home at the end of the day with a very real feeling of accomplishment. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and organised professional who is looking for a challenging new role in a busy housing office environment. You’ll be experienced in supporting people who are homeless and have a good understanding of the statutory duties of The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
You will play a key role in moving people into temporary accommodation, ensuring they are ready for move on from that accommodation and sourcing viable suitable options for them too. You will be passionate about customer service excellence and will be a significant contributor to our vision of becoming the best Housing Team in Kent.
Keys area of responsibility will include:
- Manage the placement of clients into temporary accommodation and provide ongoing support to residents throughout their placement as part of the Housing Solutions Accommodation Services Team.
- Provide applicants with comprehensive advice on the full range of housing options available, taking account of their needs and aspirations, eligibility for assistance, priority on the housing register and ability to sustain a private rented tenancy.
- An ability to write detailed and robust and legally sound decision and accommodation offer letters in accordance with the relevant legislation.
You must be able to demonstrate the following:
- Excellent numeracy, written, oral communication and organisational skills;
- Confidence, enthusiasm and a flexible approach;
- Excellent administration skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
- Good keyboard skills and the proven ability to learn and utilise new software;
- The ability to discuss sensitive issues with our customers calmly.
How to apply: Please complete your application by using the apply button below. Do not send your CV – only fully completed application forms will be accepted.
Housing Solutions Officer in Kent employer: Dartford Borough Council
As a Cleaner at the Civic Centre, you will join a supportive team environment where your contributions are valued and recognised. We offer comprehensive training to ensure you feel confident in your role, alongside flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. With opportunities for personal growth and development, this position is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in a community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer in Kent
✨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 Dartford Borough Council.
✨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 Dartford Borough Council!
✨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 Dartford Borough Council, 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 Dartford Borough Council 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 Solutions Officer in Kent
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 Dartford Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Dartford Borough Council! 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 Dartford Borough Council
✨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.
