At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support vulnerable individuals in complex situations.
- Company: Join Gateshead Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible hours, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or social care, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to equality.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 34434 £ per year.
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‐thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance.
An opportunity has arisen within the Housing Solutions Service for the role of Homeless Prevention Officer. The role is part‐time (18.5 hours per week) on a permanent contract. Reporting to the Housing Solutions Team Leader, you will work with customers with complex needs, including ex‐offenders, customers with significant mental ill health and customers who are in hospital but cannot be safely discharged home. You will carry out homeless assessments and ensure the local authority fulfils its statutory duties. You will work in partnership with partner agencies, including probation, health and social care services, providing effective service access to housing and support services for vulnerable people who are at risk of homelessness.
You will have a strong commitment to excellent customer care, equality, diversity and inclusion. You will be dealing with people face to face in potentially difficult situations, and managing and prioritising a complex caseload. You will be able to work with vulnerable people and be non‐judgemental in your outlook and approach.
- Assist in the provision of a comprehensive homeless & housing advice service, ensuring customers obtain or sustain suitable accommodation.
- Investigate cases of homelessness and potential homelessness and arrange placements into temporary accommodation as required.
- Work closely with community‐based mental health teams and other services to prevent homelessness by enabling customers to remain in their current homes or by assisting them in obtaining alternative accommodation.
- Work closely with hospital discharge teams and other services to ensure seamless transition from hospital to home or alternative accommodation.
- Act as a point of contact for professionals from health and social care organisations to access Gateshead's Housing Department.
- Identify barriers to gaining suitable housing and work in a problem‐solving way to remove those barriers.
- Ensure clients access practical support and services or advice to reduce the risk of homelessness and promote sustainable independent living.
- Use effective risk assessment tools to identify risks and undertake appropriate actions.
- Work with other services to safeguard vulnerable customers, attending multi‐agency and complex case meetings, where appropriate.
- Adhere to performance and monitoring requirements, complying with systems to monitor data and outcomes.
- Adhere to policies and procedures regarding working practices and service delivery.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Experience in homelessness, housing, health and social care
- Understanding of equality and diversity principles
- Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures
- Data input & Microsoft Office packages
- Working in a customer‐focused environment
- Working with vulnerable clients with complex needs
- Dealing with people face to face in potentially difficult situations
- Working within a multi‐agency framework
- Managing a complex caseload
- Effective time management
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary: £32,061 - £34,434 pro‐rata to hours worked
- Outstanding Pension Scheme
- Generous Annual Leave: 28 days, rising to 32 after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs).
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‐life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL and mental health resources.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Salary‐sacrifice car scheme for an electric or hybrid vehicle after 12 months service.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Via VIVUP platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, services and salary‐sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, etc. after 6 months service.
We are an equal‐opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Homeless Prevention Officer in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
At Gateshead Council, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee is valued and encouraged to thrive. With flexible working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and a strong commitment to professional development, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us in our mission to create a thriving Gateshead, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention Officer in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and social care sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gateshead Council and its initiatives. Show us that you’re passionate about making a difference in the community and have a solid understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Homeless Prevention Officer, you'll be dealing with complex cases. Role-play difficult conversations with friends or family to build your confidence and ensure you can handle tough situations with empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at Gateshead Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Prevention Officer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in Gateshead and supporting vulnerable people.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in homelessness, housing, or social care. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Homeless Prevention Officer.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Gateshead Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Homeless Prevention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as working with vulnerable clients and managing complex caseloads. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work with vulnerable individuals. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy, dealt with difficult situations, or supported someone in need. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Research the Organisation
Take some time to learn about Gateshead Council and its values. Understand their approach to homelessness and how they support the community. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their mission and goals.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
