At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families at risk of homelessness find housing solutions.
- Company: Join West Lothian Council, dedicated to supporting diverse communities in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: This is a temporary position until April 2026, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your enthusiasm and commitment to helping others.
The predicted salary is between 33298 - 36020 £ per year.
Location: West Lothian Civic Centre Howden South Road Livingston, EH54 6FF
Salary: £33,298 - £36,020 per year
Contract Type: Temporary
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week
Job Advert
Fixed Term until 30 April 2026
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
We have exciting opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Housing Access Team to help make a difference to the lives of people who are either experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
As a Housing Options Officer within a high demand, high performing team tasked with delivering the council’s housing options service in order to meet the needs of individuals or families identified as being at risk, including those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will do this through providing a comprehensive range of housing options and assessment services to meet the statutory homeless and support needs of individuals and families. This will include undertaking the statutory homeless presentation and assessment where required, and in full compliance with policy, practice and regulatory codes of guidance.
The Housing Need Service operates a prevention first model of service delivery, and Housing Options Officers are responsible for assisting those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, identifying risks and opportunities through housing options interviews, working with our partners to undertake interventions with the aim of preventing homelessness and sustaining safe accommodation wherever possible.
In order to achieve this, the post holder will be expected to deliver a programme of advice and support activities for customers, whilst ensuring that individuals/households housing needs are identified and appropriate action is taken either directly with officers through case management, or by making referrals to specialist support and advice providers.
The post holder will promote a person-centred approach through assessment to build capacity for individuals and families to where possible prevent homelessness and achieve sustainable outcomes. Officers are required to undertake home visits and office interviews throughout West Lothian, and will work in council buildings on a rota basis, and will be expected to deliver services face to face, virtually, and occasionally with travel required.
Officers will work closely with other services and teams responsible for supporting and managing the accommodation and tenancies of homeless applicants, and will be expected to successfully maintain a live homeless caseload, seeking solutions and good outcomes for applicants.
This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007. From 28 February 2011 preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council
#J-18808-LjbffrHousing Support Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.93 - WEL09423 in Livingston employer: Ktpws
West Lothian Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises diversity and inclusivity, making it a welcoming workplace for individuals from all backgrounds. With a strong commitment to employee development, the Housing Support Officer role offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community while working within a supportive team environment. The council promotes a person-centred approach, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and resources needed to help those at risk of homelessness, all within the vibrant setting of West Lothian Civic Centre.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.93 - WEL09423 in Livingston
✨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 Ktpws.
✨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 Ktpws!
✨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 Ktpws, 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 Ktpws 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 Housing Support Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.93 - WEL09423 in Livingston
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 Ktpws:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ktpws! 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 Ktpws
✨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.
