At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their right to work application process with the Home Office.
- Company: Mears provides temporary accommodation and solutions to homelessness across multiple regions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, staff discounts, and a company vehicle or car allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups, effective communication, and a full UK driving license required.
- Other info: Join a company committed to diversity, inclusion, and social mobility initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 28917 £ per year.
Annual salary: up to £29,856.80
Housing Support Officer
Location: Londonderry/Derry & Strabane
Salary up to £29,856.80 per annum Including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance
Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Mears work in partnership with central and local Government, registered providers, tenants, landlords and investors to find solutions to homelessness, provide more social and affordable housing and create specialist housing for people with care needs.
About the Role
We are looking for a Housing Support Officer to join our expanding team. This rewarding role focuses on supporting asylum seekers through their right-to-work application process with the Home Office. You will provide both practical and emotional support, address safeguarding and welfare needs, monitor wellbeing, and keep accurate records for compliance. Every day is different, and while the role can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding for someone who is resilient, empathetic, and people focused.
Role Criteria
- Support asylum seekers throughout their application process, ensuring welfare and safeguarding needs are met
- Provide practical and emotional support to individuals and families
- Identify needs and put in place support packages to promote independence
- Work with vulnerable and diverse client groups, including those with mental health needs or challenging behaviours
- Carry out risk assessments and maintain accurate records for audits and compliance
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, service users, local authorities, and partner organisations
- Maintain professional boundaries while being approachable, empathetic, and supportive
- Work independently, showing resilience and initiative
- Flexible and willing to travel between sites
- Hold a full UK driving licence
This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality housing management and support service to service users, combining property management with person-centred support. The post holder will manage a portfolio of homes within an assigned region, ensuring properties are maintained to contractual standards while safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of all service users. The role involves coordinating move-ins, move-outs, voids and inspections, monitoring compliance with key performance indicators, and identifying and managing risks. Through regular assessments and engagement, the post holder will identify service users’ support needs, provide advice and assistance, and work collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, care providers and community organisations to ensure appropriate support is in place. The role requires cultural awareness, professional boundaries, resilience, accurate record keeping, performance reporting, and a flexible approach, including supporting colleagues and undertaking ad hoc projects as required.
Benefits we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day – Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
- Volunteering Leave – Mears supports employees to undertake paid volunteering in the community, in support of our social value commitment.
- Staff perks with Mears Rewards – discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more
- Family friendly policies
- Company Vehicle and Fuel Card
- Access to EAP Counselling sessions
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Locations
Housing Support Officer employer: Livin Housing Limited
Contact Detail:
Livin Housing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the asylum application process and the specific challenges faced by asylum seekers. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience working with vulnerable groups or in social care settings. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations or conflicts. Being able to articulate your approach to maintaining professional boundaries while being empathetic is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mears and its mission to support asylum seekers and tackle homelessness. Understanding our values and how they align with your own will help you convey your passion for the role and make a strong impression during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Support Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous work with vulnerable groups, safeguarding experience, or roles that required empathy and resilience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting asylum seekers and your understanding of their needs. Make sure to connect your personal values with the mission of Mears.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Livin Housing Limited
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Housing Support Officer, you'll be working with vulnerable individuals. Make sure to demonstrate your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share examples of how you've supported others in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous experience you have working with diverse client groups or in safeguarding roles. Be specific about your responsibilities and how they relate to the job description.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, particularly in mental health or welfare contexts.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you communicate with colleagues, authorities, and service users. You might want to share instances where your communication skills made a positive impact.