At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people at risk of homelessness find practical housing solutions and provide essential support.
- Company: Join a dedicated council team focused on early intervention and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied caseloads and the chance to work collaboratively with partners.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or housing support, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 29723 - 36329 £ per year.
About the role
Are you passionate about helping people at risk of homelessness find practical housing solutions before they reach crisis point? In this fixed-term role you will strengthen the Council's early intervention offer by helping residents access timely advice, prevent homelessness where possible and move towards longer-term housing stability. As one of the first points of contact for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you will provide clear advice, practical support and early intervention to help residents secure safe, sustainable housing outcomes.
You will assess housing needs, develop Personal Housing Plans, negotiate with landlords and partner agencies, and work closely with customers to prevent or relieve homelessness. You'll manage a varied caseload, identify safeguarding concerns, undertake home visits, and work collaboratively with partners to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents. This is a rewarding frontline role where no two days are the same, offering the opportunity to make a direct difference to residents at a critical point in their lives.
About you
You will be an excellent communicator, committed to delivering excellent customer service. With experience in a housing, advice, support or customer-focused environment, you will be able to build trust quickly with customers, work constructively with colleagues and partner organisations, and respond sensitively to people facing difficult housing circumstances.
You will also be organised, flexible and able to work both independently and as part of a team. You will bring sound judgement, resilience and a calm, professional approach when supporting customers in challenging circumstances. A willingness to work flexibly and uphold Council values is essential.
To succeed in this role you will bring:
- Experience of providing advice and support to customers facing complex situations
- Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills
- The ability to manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate records
- An understanding of housing issues, homelessness or related support services
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality and excellent customer service
- The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations
You will also be organised, flexible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. A willingness to visit customers, work flexibly (including an out-of-hours rota), and uphold Council values is essential.
In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:
- 26.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Staff Parking Permit
- Reimbursement of professional fees
- Comprehensive development and training
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- Access to discounts and benefits via online platform
Additional Information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
Safeguarding: This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
For an informal discussion, please contact John Frost, Principal Strategic Housing Officer on 01727 819 443 or email - john.frost@stalbans.gov.uk
To apply: Please select the apply button on the vacancy and follow the steps below: Complete an online application and in the supporting statement section, ensure you explain what you would bring to the role and how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. Provide an up-to-date CV (no more than three sides of A4), explaining any gaps in employment.
A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.
Closing date for applications: 21st September 2026. Interviews are scheduled for w/c: 28th September 2026.
Early Intervention Housing Options Advisor in St Albans employer: Hireful
At hireful, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Our part-time roles, such as the Cleaning Assistant in Malvern, provide flexible hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance, while also presenting opportunities for personal growth and development within our community-focused environment. Join us to contribute to maintaining high cleanliness standards at The Downs, where your efforts are truly appreciated and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Intervention Housing Options Advisor in St Albans
✨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 Hireful.
✨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 Hireful!
✨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 Hireful, 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 Hireful or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Intervention Housing Options Advisor in St Albans
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 Hireful:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hireful! 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 Hireful
✨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.
