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- Tasks: Support asylum seekers through their application process and provide practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Mears is dedicated to tackling homelessness and providing affordable housing solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, paid volunteering, staff discounts, and a company vehicle.
- 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 skills, and a full UK driving license required.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 29000 £ per year.
Annual salary: up to £28,917.00
Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. At the end of May 2021, Mears had over 19,000 service users across these regions. Mears works 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:
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Housing Support Officer to join our team. This position supports asylum seekers through their right to work asylum application process with the Home Office. The ideal candidate will be resilient, trustworthy, caring, empathetic, and a people person. Every day brings new challenges and rewards in this role.
Main Duties:
- Supporting service users at various stages of their asylum application process
- Addressing safeguarding and welfare issues
- Providing practical and emotional support
- Monitoring wellbeing
- Maintaining accurate records for Home Office audits
Maintaining professional boundaries and resilience is essential to provide consistent, needs-based support.
Role Criteria:
- Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures
- Ability to identify individual and family needs and support packages to promote independence
- Experience with mental health and challenging behaviour
- Effective communication skills with colleagues, authorities, and service users
- Experience in record keeping and risk assessments
- Ability to work independently
- Resilience and adaptability
- Supportive, trustworthy, empathetic, approachable, and a good listener
- Flexibility and willingness to travel
- Full UK driving license
All roles require entitlement to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available. As part of the recruitment process, a DBS & BPSS check and Security Clearance will be conducted. You will need to provide relevant identification, proof of address, references, a valid passport, and proof of UK residence over the last 5 years.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Annual Mears Fun Day
- Paid volunteering leave
- Staff discounts via Mears Rewards
- Family-friendly policies
- Company vehicle and fuel card
- Access to EAP counselling
We support you throughout the application process and are committed to diversity and inclusion. We are a Disability Confident employer, support the Armed Forces Covenant, and promote social mobility through optional background information sharing during application to improve opportunities for all.
Housing Support Officer employer: Mears Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Mears Group PLC Recruiting Team
beth.dunford@mearsgroup.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the asylum application process in the UK. Understanding the challenges faced by asylum seekers will help you demonstrate your empathy and knowledge during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing support sector. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who work with vulnerable groups, as this can provide valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've supported individuals facing challenges. Highlight your resilience and adaptability, as these traits are crucial for a Housing Support Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Mears and its mission to support asylum seekers. Being knowledgeable about the company’s values and recent developments will show your genuine interest and commitment to their cause 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, understanding of safeguarding procedures, and experience in providing emotional support. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and resilience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your empathy, communication skills, and ability to work independently. Make sure to express your passion for supporting asylum seekers and your commitment to their welfare.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Housing Support Officer, you'll be working with vulnerable individuals. Make sure to demonstrate your empathetic nature during the interview by sharing relevant experiences where you've supported others in challenging situations.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle safeguarding issues and ensure the wellbeing of service users, as this is a crucial part of the role.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this position. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse groups, including colleagues, authorities, and service users, to resolve issues or provide support.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability
This role can be challenging, so it's important to show that you can remain resilient and adaptable. Share instances where you've had to adjust to unexpected changes or overcome obstacles in your previous roles.
