At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in housing need and prevent homelessness through compassionate assessments and advice.
- Company: Join Islington Council's diverse and inclusive Homelessness Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment that values equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help shape positive futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting vulnerable people and knowledge of homelessness legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Join our Homelessness Services team and help make a real difference for residents in housing need. As a Prevention and Relief Officer, you’ll provide holistic housing assessments, deliver empathetic and trauma‑informed support, and work collaboratively with partners to prevent homelessness. You’ll offer practical advice, mediate with landlords and families, and ensure residents receive person‑centred, high‑quality assistance.
We’re looking for someone compassionate, resilient, and knowledgeable about homelessness legislation, with experience supporting vulnerable people. If you’re committed to public service and want to help shape positive futures in our community, we’d love to hear from you.
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35‑hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion.
We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act.
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Prevention and Relief Officer employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee is valued and empowered. With a strong commitment to public service, we offer generous benefits including up to 36 days of leave, flexible working arrangements, and extensive learning opportunities, all aimed at supporting your professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to create a more equal Islington, where your contributions can truly shape positive futures for residents in housing need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prevention and Relief Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the homelessness services sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Islington Council's values and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just passionate about the role but also aligned with our mission to create a more equal community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those around trauma-informed support and housing legislation. We want to see your knowledge and how you can apply it in real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for helping vulnerable people.
We think you need these skills to ace Prevention and Relief Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to preventing homelessness.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and knowledge about homelessness legislation. This helps us understand how you’ve supported vulnerable people in the past and how you can do it with us.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Prevention and Relief Officer. Highlight your empathetic approach and any relevant experience that aligns with our values of being collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on homelessness legislation and the specific challenges faced by vulnerable people. Being knowledgeable will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a Prevention and Relief Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals in need. This will demonstrate your ability to provide trauma-informed support and connect with residents on a personal level.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working with various partners, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think of specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes, and highlight your resourcefulness in those situations.
✨Embrace the Values
Familiarise yourself with the CARE values: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. Be prepared to explain how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your approach to public service.
