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- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and prevent homelessness in the community.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals secure stable housing and improve their lives.
- Qualifications: A-levels or NVQ level 4, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with various agencies.
Role Purpose: Provide advice, information and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Help applicants to explore their housing options and find suitable accommodation that meets their needs. To work with a range of partners and agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Advice & Guidance: Offer advice and information on topics such as homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights and security of tenure. Communicate with applicants or their authorised representatives through phone, email or letter. Make advice accessible to all applicants and help them avoid or resolve homelessness and secure long-term housing solutions.
- Progress Applications: Make enquiries and collect all relevant information from the applicant including financial statements or health information and carry out other verification checks as necessary, including authorised communication with statutory and voluntary agencies to support decision making. Progress all homeless applications (Part 7 application) under current legislation, ensuring compliance to the Homelessness Code of Guidance. Progress all housing applications (Part 6 applications) in line with the Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings scheme and ensure these are completed in a timely manner.
- Assessment & Plan: Carry out an assessment of circumstances and needs to identify what has caused the homelessness or threat of homelessness and the housing needs of the applicant and any support needs to be able to secure and retain accommodation. Following the assessment, create a personalised housing plan with the applicant to help them retain or find accommodation.
- Decision Making: Decide on what duties are owed to the applicant (e.g., interim duty, prevention duty, relief duty), progressing all homeless applications, notifying applicants within target times whilst ensuring all decisions comply with current legislation. Make appropriate referrals to partner agencies and organisations to help with issues such as access to private rented accommodation, benefits, relationship breakdown, debt, budgeting, warrant, substance misuse, domestic abuse, rough sleeping, mental health, health, support, complex needs and learning difficulties.
Essential:
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to deal inventively and sensitively with a wide range and spectrum of people in greatly varying circumstances.
- Ability to establish and manage realistic applicant expectations.
- Ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively where detailed and complex investigations are required, working with precision and attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain accurate detailed and timely case notes and other evidence-based records.
- Good organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016)
- Education qualification to at least A level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ level 4 and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and where required will acquire specialist accreditation and skills.
- Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.
- Resourceful, solution focused, persuasive and skilled in overcoming barriers.
- Ability to prioritise workload, manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, use initiative and work with limited supervision.
- Current driving licence required and access to own vehicle.
Housing Options Officer in Wincanton employer: Job Switch Ltd
Contact Detail:
Job Switch Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Wincanton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with the role of a Housing Options Officer and be ready to discuss real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! In interviews, share examples of how you've dealt with complex situations or helped others find solutions. This is key for a role that involves navigating homelessness and housing options.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Housing Options Officer role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Wincanton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Housing Options Officer. We want to see how you can provide advice and support to those at risk of homelessness, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective written communication is key in this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We’re looking for someone who can communicate complex information simply, so let that shine through!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, share instances where you've successfully navigated challenges or helped others find solutions. We love resourceful candidates who can think on their feet, especially when it comes to overcoming barriers in housing situations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen and ready to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Switch Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key issues surrounding homelessness and housing options. Brush up on relevant legislation, like the Homelessness Code of Guidance, so you can speak confidently about how it applies to the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role requires a sensitive approach to dealing with applicants. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in difficult situations. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and compassionately.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage a diverse caseload. Share specific strategies you use to stay organised and ensure timely progress on applications. This will show that you can handle the demands of the role efficiently.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, partnerships with agencies, or ongoing projects related to homelessness prevention. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.
