At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and manage temporary accommodation.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, a supportive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and hybrid working options available.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a dynamic and impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: HNC Level education or equivalent experience in housing or social work.
The predicted salary is between 19 - 22 £ per hour.
Hourly rate of pay: £19.45 - £21.75
Days and Hours of Work:
- Monday - Thursday, 09:00-17:00
- Friday, 09:00-16:00
Flexi time is applicable. To start asap.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration:
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.
Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
This post is being re-advertised. Previous applicants who were unsuccessful should not re-apply.
Job Details:
As part of the wider Community Housing Service, provide a comprehensive frontline housing options, homelessness assessment and temporary accommodation management service ensuring that the Council’s corporate statutory homeless responsibilities are met.
The jobholder will also work closely with other services and agencies in both developing and delivering the service ensuring regulatory and legal compliance with a range of housing and related legislation.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
Relevant Qualifications:
- Must be educated to HNC Level or equivalent in a housing, health or social work subject and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through previous experience of providing a range of advice related to homelessness and/or housing and have detailed knowledge of Homelessness and Housing Legislation including a high level of understanding of social policy, community care, equal opportunities, welfare benefits and property management.
- Must have completed (or within the first year of employment be prepared to join the earliest programme towards completing) training in the National Standards of Housing Advice and Information at Level 2.
- SSSC registration is an essential requirement of this role. If you are appointed and are not already a member of the relevant section of the SSSC Register, you will be required to apply for registration within 3 months of your start date to ensure that you are registered within the required 6 months.
Driving Licence:
As the duties of this role require you to effectively travel to successfully undertake the full remit of the role, you must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle. (Where a disability precludes you from obtaining a driving licence, ELC will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability.)
PVG Membership:
This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.
Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Additional Information:
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form.
Housing Options Officer - EAL12109 in Haddington employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, offering flexible home and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to community service, employees are encouraged to grow within a supportive environment that values collaboration and adherence to the 'East Lothian Way' principles. This role not only provides competitive pay but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer - EAL12109 in Haddington
✨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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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 Options Officer - EAL12109 in Haddington
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 East Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to East Lothian 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 East Lothian 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.
