At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and prevent homelessness in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a real difference for 250,000 residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on various products and services.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice or relevant qualifications are preferred.
- Other info: Part-time role with a fixed term until May 2026.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 37000 £ per year.
Job Description
- East Suffolk Council, Lowestoft and Melton
- £30,559 – £37,035 pro-rata (Band 5 – 6)
- 22.2 hours per week (Part-time)
- Fixed Term until 1 May 2026
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
We currently have an opportunity to join East Suffolk Council\’sHousing Needs Team as a Housing Advice and Prevention Officer.
Your role:
The post holder will provide a comprehensive housing options service to customers with varying levels of housing need to enable suitable positive outcomes in line with Part VI (Housing Register and Allocations), Part VII (Housing Advice and Homelessness) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. To promote a customer centred approach and work with vulnerable customers, their advocates, family, and support networks to ensure that homelessness prevention is maximised and effective first point of contact housing advice is given.
What you will need:
The successful candidate will have previous experience of using inter-personal and negotiating skills to achieve positive outcomes along with experience of working in a similar role or a relevant qualification in the sector as desirable. The candidate will have previous housing experience and can demonstrate working to the required level of responsibility.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council, take a look at our video and hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work (YouTube) .
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
Find more information about what we offer in our benefits brochure (pdf) .
The majority of our teams are working in an agile way, with a mixture of home and office working, depending on individual preferences and service requirements. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements if you were the successful candidate, please contact the recruiting manager listed at the bottom of this advert.
For more information
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Callum Dorling on 01502 523132 or Callum.Dorling@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 4 July 2025
Interview date: Week commencing: 14 July 2025
How To Apply
Step 1 –Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification .
Step 2 –Complete the Supporting Statement template (docx) . Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3 –Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our Career Site (URL).
About Us
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
We hugely value our staff and know that in order for us to remain successful, it is essential for us to recognise talented employees, developing and retaining them within the organisation. We are therefore committed to investing in our staff and providing first-class support to ensure a positive culture and rewarding careers.
To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council and to hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work, take a look at our video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWedQksWt0
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Housing Advice and Prevention Officer employer: East Suffolk Council
Contact Detail:
East Suffolk Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advice and Prevention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and local housing policies. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector. Attend local housing forums or workshops to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully used your interpersonal and negotiation skills. Think of specific examples that highlight your ability to work with vulnerable customers and achieve positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research East Suffolk Council's values and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during the interview can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Advice and Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Housing Advice and Prevention Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Complete the Supporting Statement: Use the provided Supporting Statement template to clearly demonstrate how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. Be specific and provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your interpersonal and negotiating skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous housing experience or relevant qualifications in your application. This will help the hiring team see that you have the necessary background to succeed in this role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Housing Advice and Prevention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key legislation mentioned, such as the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, as this will show your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves working with vulnerable customers, be prepared to discuss your interpersonal and negotiating skills. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully helped individuals in similar situations, highlighting your ability to empathise and communicate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle various housing issues. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and customer-centred approach.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Organisation
Research East Suffolk Council and express your enthusiasm for working there. Mention any specific initiatives or values of the council that resonate with you, and explain why you believe you would be a great fit for their team and culture.