At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in overcoming financial challenges and maintaining their homes.
- Company: Join Hightown Housing Association, a caring charitable organisation.
- Benefits: 33 days leave, performance bonuses, gym access, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and promote financial wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26810 - 32768 £ per year.
We are seeking talented individuals that are excellent in their field of expertise and are posed with all potential and skills necessary to help us meet future business challenges.
Location: Hemel Hempstead
Benefits: Pension, Bonus, Car Parking, On Site Gym
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (1-hour unpaid lunch break)
Make a real difference to people's lives. At Hightown Housing Association, we believe everyone should have a home and the support they need to thrive. As a charitable housing association managing more than 9,000 homes across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, we are committed to helping people build stable and fulfilling futures.
We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Financial Inclusion Officer to join our Housing team on a fixed term contract. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with expertise in welfare benefits, financial inclusion and tenancy sustainment who wants to help people maximise their income, improve financial wellbeing and maintain successful tenancies.
About the role
As our Financial Inclusion Officer, you will deliver a professional, customer-focused service that supports residents to overcome financial challenges and sustain their homes. You will work directly with customers, helping them access benefits, reduce financial hardship, improve budgeting skills and access wider support services. You will play a key role in preventing tenancy breakdown, homelessness and financial exclusion while helping to maximise rental income and positive outcomes for our residents.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing welfare benefits advice and income maximisation support.
- Helping customers claim their full entitlement to benefits and other financial assistance.
- Supporting residents with budgeting, debt management, fuel poverty and financial hardship issues.
- Carrying out financial assessments and tenancy risk assessments.
- Assisting customers with benefits appeals, mandatory reconsiderations and discretionary housing payment applications.
- Conducting home visits and delivering practical financial support.
- Working closely with local authorities, Department for Work and Pensions teams, support agencies and other partners.
- Identifying external funding opportunities, grants and charitable support for customers.
- Maintaining accurate records and demonstrating positive outcomes through effective case management.
- Providing guidance to colleagues and sharing expertise on welfare benefits and financial inclusion.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent customer service skills and a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families.
You will have:
- Knowledge of Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Department for Work and Pensions benefits, welfare reform and financial inclusion best practice.
- Experience supporting customers with debt advice or debt support pathways.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
- Experience working with partner agencies and external stakeholders.
- Confidence handling sensitive and sometimes challenging situations.
- Full UK Driving licence.
Why join Hightown?
When you join Hightown, you become part of an organisation that genuinely cares about its people and the communities we serve.
Our benefits include:
- 33 days annual leave including Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- Annual performance-based bonus.
- Monthly attendance bonus.
- Blue Light Card.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory right to work, DBS, reference and medical clearances. We will be shortlisting on an ongoing basis so may close the vacancy early. We are an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer.
Financial Inclusion Officer employer: Hightown Housing Association Ltd
At 4 Trinity Court, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration and inclusivity. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities to help you thrive in your role as a Support Worker. With competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and a commitment to employee well-being, you'll find a rewarding environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of our residents in Aylesbury.
Contact Details:
Hightown Housing Association Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Inclusion 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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd, 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 Financial Inclusion 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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd. 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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd. 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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd
✨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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd.
✨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 Financial Inclusion Officer role at Hightown Housing Association Ltd, 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 Hightown Housing Association Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
