At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people with housing issues and provide essential advice to prevent homelessness.
- Company: Braintree District Council, known for its innovative and supportive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and a chance to make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and engaging environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and directly impact people's lives through housing support.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role, strong interpersonal skills, and a valid driving licence.
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree District Council to recruit a Housing Options Triage Officer on a 3-month temporary basis. Please note that you will be required to work in the Council offices full time during your initial training period and thereafter you will be required to be in the office 3 days per week.
The Role:
- To be part of the busy Housing Team within Braintree District Council, providing a proactive service, giving advice and assistance to anyone with housing related problems in accordance with current legislation and code of guidance.
- To be the first point of contact for all new enquiries into the service and to conduct an initial assessment of the approaching household.
- To ascertain a household’s risk of homelessness at first point of contact.
- To provide advice and early intervention assistance to those at risk of homelessness but not within 56 days.
- To undertake case work as necessary to complete triage assessment of cases.
- To co-ordinate and provide responses to all general housing queries including emails and phone calls.
- To provide verbal and written advice on a wide range of housing and related matters to anyone approaching the Council, working closely with other colleagues and partners.
- To advise customers of their housing options, which could include: privately rented housing, deposit and rent-in-advance schemes, renting a room, social housing, mediation, supported housing.
- To provide general advice and assistance in the following areas: homelessness, security of tenure, harassment and illegal eviction, disrepair, money management, benefits, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse.
- Assist residents with accessing services that support them to find or sustain accommodation.
The Experience You Will Bring:
- Recent relevant experience of working in a similar role.
- Must have good interpersonal skills and be non-judgmental.
- The ability to apply investigative skills.
- Hold a full driving licence and have use of a car.
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.
Please Note: Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
What should you do next?
If you are interested in this post, then please click apply. If you have any queries regarding submitting an application or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk.
Housing Options Triage Officer - Braintree District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Triage Officer - Braintree District Council
✨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 Essex County 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 Essex County 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 Essex County 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 Essex County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County 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 Essex County 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.
