At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families at risk of homelessness with proactive advice and solutions.
- Company: Join Great Yarmouth Borough Council, committed to excellence and community support.
- Benefits: Exciting benefits, equal opportunity employer, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fixed term contract until March 2028 with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of preventing homelessness and helping those in crisis.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles, knowledge of housing law, and strong communication skills.
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and have experience working in a customer facing role? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you. As a Homeless Prevention Officer you will provide proactive support and advice to individuals and families at risk of homelessness. The role involves preventing homelessness through early intervention, identifying housing solutions, and working with external agencies to ensure individuals receive the necessary support to sustain their accommodation.
The post is offered on a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment until 31 March 2028. If applying for the position as a secondment, you must obtain your line manager’s approval before applying for the position. You will seek to ensure that individuals and families at risk of homelessness are supported to maintain existing accommodation or access alternative suitable accommodation. This role requires a satisfactory basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they have the following skills, knowledge and work experience:
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, creative thinking, organisational and IT skills
- Knowledge of housing law, homelessness legislation, and welfare benefits
- Experience working in a customer-facing role, particularly within housing, social services, or a related field
- Experience in case management or working with vulnerable individuals or families
You will be empathetic, compassionate, and have a non-judgmental approach to working with individuals in crisis. You will be able to work independently and as part of a team, working well under pressure. You will have a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and external partners. You will be resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage challenging situations and emotional stress.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has the goal to achieve excellence for the Borough. We don’t just say we are ambitious; we mean it. We are always looking at the ways in which we can improve and be the best that we can, providing the best for the people who live, work, visit and operate businesses in the Borough. We have big plans for the future and massive opportunities ahead. We are one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country, Great Yarmouth is England’s offshore energy hub and Norfolk’s biggest seaside resort at the edge of the Broads National Park. The challenges we face in the borough are wide, but our commitment to achieving more has never been so focused. We offer a range of exciting benefits as an employer and are committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and the services we provide.
Homeless Prevention Officer employer: Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Services Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for Casual Refuse Loaders. With competitive pay, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to equal opportunities, employees can thrive while contributing to essential community services. The role provides flexibility in hours and the chance to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in Great Yarmouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Great Yarmouth, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Great Yarmouth. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Great Yarmouth. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Yarmouth
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Great Yarmouth.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Homeless Prevention Officer role at Great Yarmouth, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Great Yarmouth that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
