At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their application process and provide practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Mears, a leader in providing housing solutions and support for vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, company vehicle, discounts, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in social support.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 29856 - 29856 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle / Gateshead
Annual salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum (including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 car allowance)
Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
On‑call (OOH) duties: 1 week out of 12, including standby. Paid £30 per weekday, £50 weekend day, plus 1.5× rate for attending properties or service users during OOH.
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers while their claims are being assessed in the Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Mears works in partnership with central and local Government, registered providers, tenants, landlords and investors to find solutions to homelessness and create specialist housing for people with care needs.
About The Role
Housing Support Officer – responsible for supporting asylum seekers through the Home Office application process, providing practical and emotional support, addressing safeguarding and welfare needs, monitoring wellbeing, and keeping accurate records for compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- 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 support packages in place 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.
Benefits We Can Offer You
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Annual Mears Fun Day.
- Volunteering leave.
- Staff perks through Mears Rewards (discounts on groceries, holidays, eye tests, share save scheme, and more).
- Family‑friendly policies.
- Company vehicle and fuel card.
- Access to EAP counselling sessions.
All roles require the entitlement to work within the UK; Mears does not offer visa sponsorship. All roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
Housing Officer in Gateshead employer: Mears Group PLC
Mears is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a company vehicle, and access to counselling sessions, all within a supportive work culture that values resilience and initiative. Our commitment to professional development and community engagement ensures that our Housing Officers not only contribute to vital social change but also grow personally and professionally in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Officer in Gateshead
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Mears Group PLC.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Mears Group PLC.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Mears Group PLC.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Mears Group PLC. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Officer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Mears Group PLC. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Housing Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Mears Group PLC. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
