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- Tasks: Support and advise those at risk of homelessness, providing solutions and emergency accommodation.
- Company: Tower Hamlets Housing Option Service, committed to diversity and community support.
- Benefits: State-of-the-art offices, great transport links, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join us in preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals in your community.
- Qualifications: In-depth housing knowledge and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Tower Hamlets Housing Option Service are looking to recruit Lead Professional Officers, previously known as Housing Options Officers. Tower Hamlets is a diverse borough that has a high demand for housing and a limited supply.
As a Lead Professional Officer you will work on the frontline to offer support and advice to people who are potentially homeless. You will help in preventing homelessness and look to offer viable options and solutions; these will include but are not limited to, planned ways of leaving home for singles and families, mediation support, private rented sector accommodation, measures to help support victims of domestic abuse. You will also provide emergency accommodation where necessary and help relieve homelessness.
You will need to be able to work well under pressure and use your own initiative. You will be expected to participate in a busy duty rota and deal with members of the public. An empathetic and active listener will be key in building trust with clients and managing expectations when interviewing homeless singles and families. Being an effective communicator and strong partnership working will also be essential to this role as will effectively signposting to relevant agencies and organisations for support.
The role will involve you managing a caseload and applications; you will need to be able to write legally binding letters to a high standard, complete personalised housing plans and agree steps and carry out reviews with customers. You will need to also be proficient in the use of IT.
The Person
We are looking for a candidate with in-depth housing knowledge, including understanding of duties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002, Landlord and Tenant Legislation, Housing Act 1985, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Excellent organisational and leadership skills demonstrating self-management, motivation, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment, as well as proven leadership abilities to guide and support effectively. You should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex matters objectively and persuasively in various formats. Experience working in a busy customer-oriented environment, delivering excellent customer service, and managing team performance. You will have good leadership skills and experience in managing a team in a public sector organisation. A confident, experienced, and adaptable self-starter, you will be able to work proactively and on your own initiative.
For any questions about the application process, please contact housingoptionsteam.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are proud of our diversity and our distinct and vibrant communities. Our borough has a history of welcoming migrants, reflected in our values. You will share the values of fairness and equality that are shared across all of our services.
Our Offices
We offer brand new state-of-the-art offices in the heart of the East End with great transport connections. We are right next to Whitechapel Station, putting all of London within easy reach of the town hall. Join us and make a significant impact on preventing homelessness in Tower Hamlets.
Housing Officer employer: Job Switch
Contact Detail:
Job Switch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Housing Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to throw some tough questions your way, especially around homelessness and housing legislation. Being prepared will help you shine when it’s your turn to impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your empathy! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share stories that highlight your ability to connect with clients and manage their expectations. This is key for a Housing Officer!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Housing Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your housing knowledge!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to present complex matters clearly. Use concise language and structure your application well to demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills.
Highlight Your Empathy and Initiative: As a Housing Officer, empathy and initiative are crucial. Share examples in your application where you've successfully supported individuals or families in need, showing how you can build trust and manage expectations effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Switch
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key housing laws mentioned in the job description, like the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Act 2002. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you have the in-depth knowledge required for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Housing Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable individuals. Prepare examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and active listening in past roles. This will help you connect with the interviewers and illustrate your ability to build trust with clients.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Practice explaining complex issues in simple terms. You might be asked to present a scenario or case study during the interview, so being clear and persuasive in your communication will be crucial. Consider rehearsing with a friend or family member.
✨Prepare for Pressure Situations
Since the role involves working under pressure, think of specific instances where you've successfully managed stressful situations. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised tasks and maintained a high standard of service, as this will highlight your organisational skills.
