At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing and prevent homelessness with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to creating positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in housing services.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
The following information is furnished to help Council staff and those people considering joining the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to understand and appreciate the general work content of their post and the role they are to play in the organisation within the Housing Options Team.
The Housing Options Service provides housing advice and homelessness services to customers in housing need. The service is also the gateway to accessing Housing Related Support in the District. The service places great attention to homelessness prevention and the enhancement of housing options to achieving long term sustainable outcomes for vulnerable customers.
The Main Responsibilities Of This Role
- Coordinate access to temporary accommodation, act as a single point of contact for emergency and temporary accommodation providers and work with all relevant agencies to secure suitable sustainable outcomes for customers.
- Closely monitor and coordinate planned moves for customers who reside in emergency and temporary accommodation (TA) including B&B.
- Where re-housing is necessary, work with the customer to agree a planned move to suitable and affordable accommodation either with Incommunities, other registered providers or in the private rented sector.
- Act as the first point of contact for enquiries by members of the public, advice sector agencies and other professionals.
- Provide a flexible, proficient and comprehensive housing advice service to customers in housing need whilst having regard to legislation, government guidance, council policy and sector practice.
- Treat customers with empathy, sensitivity and professionalism recognising that they are often approaching the service in crisis.
- Offer help and advice to clients (in person or over the phone) who are potentially homeless in line with relevant Housing Legislation and Guidance to assess their housing situation and take the most appropriate action including arranging Housing Options appointments, signposting, advising current and new cases etc.
- Where possible, prevent homelessness by providing housing advice and assistance with regard to under-occupation and affordability, security of tenure, harassment, disrepair and illegal eviction, and by negotiating and mediating between tenants, landlords and accommodation agents etc.
- Act as a single point of contact for all commissioned emergency and temporary accommodation providers and coordinate throughput across the provision including issuing warnings and TA duty cessation letters.
- Liaise with statutory and non-statutory agencies regarding housing needs issues, signposting clients and making referrals for a service and assess client’s needs and decide whether the client is entitled to Housing Related Support.
- Complete the Housing Related Support referral form and refer to the most appropriate support provider for accommodation based or floating support.
- Undertake any other duties which are commensurate with the aims of the post.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.
Housing Options Assistant in Bradford employer: Doe Park Water Activities Centre
Bradford Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community service. Employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, including health and safety protocols, and the chance to make a meaningful impact by recycling medical equipment. Working in Low Moor provides a vibrant environment with access to local amenities, making it an ideal location for those seeking rewarding employment in public service.
Contact Details:
Doe Park Water Activities Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Assistant in Bradford
✨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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre.
✨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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre!
✨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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre, 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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre 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 Options Assistant in Bradford
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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Doe Park Water Activities Centre! 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 Doe Park Water Activities Centre
✨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.
