At a Glance
- Tasks: Support asylum seekers with their right-to-work applications and provide emotional support.
- Company: Join Mears, a company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a company vehicle, and staff perks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28917 - 29857 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £28,917 per annum (annual salary up to £29,856.80).
Employment type: Full time – Permanent, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Location: North Tyneside.
Additional compensation: Company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance. Expect OOH duties (1 week out of 12), including standby, paid £30 per weekday and £50 weekend day, plus x1.5 for properties/service users.
About The Role
Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Housing Support Officer to support asylum seekers through their right‑to‑work application process with the Home Office. The role involves ensuring service users receive practical and emotional support at various stages of their application, managing safeguarding and welfare issues, monitoring wellbeing, maintaining accurate records for audit purposes, and maintaining professional boundaries.
Role Criteria
- Experience of working with vulnerable and diverse client groups.
- Experience and understanding of safeguarding.
- Ability to identify individuals and family needs and recognise appropriate support packages.
- Experience working with mental health and/or challenging behaviour.
- Effective communication with colleagues, local authorities and service users.
- Experience with record‑keeping and risk assessments.
- Ability to work independently and under own initiative.
- Resilient and empathetic, with strong listening and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible and willing to travel.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits We Can Offer You
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Annual Mears Fun Day.
- Volunteering Leave.
- Staff perks via Mears Rewards (discounts, share save scheme, etc.).
- Family‑friendly policies.
- Company vehicle and fuel card.
- Access to EAP counselling sessions.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Mears is a Disability Confident employer, and we value individuality and equal opportunity for all. All roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK; Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Pre‑employment Checks
Background, Identity & Security checks (including BPSS) and proof of address and UK residency will be required prior to commencing employment.
Housing Support Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Mears Group PLC
Contact Detail:
Mears Group PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing support sector, especially those who work with asylum seekers. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable groups. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and resilience during interviews. Share real-life examples of how you've supported individuals in challenging situations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the role.
✨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 and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Officer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with vulnerable groups and safeguarding. We want to see how your skills match the role of a Housing Support Officer, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in this role. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully interacted with colleagues, local authorities, and service users in the past. We love seeing real-life examples!
Highlight Your Resilience: Working with asylum seekers can be challenging, so let us know how you’ve handled tough situations before. Share stories that show your empathy and ability to support individuals through difficult times.
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 into our hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group PLC
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Housing Support Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the right-to-work application process and the specific needs of asylum seekers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Empathy
This role requires a lot of emotional intelligence, so be prepared to discuss your experience working with vulnerable groups. Share specific examples where you've provided support or managed safeguarding issues, highlighting your ability to listen and respond to individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or local authorities. Be ready to explain how you keep accurate records and manage risk assessments, as these are crucial for the job.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since the job involves some out-of-hours duties, show that you're adaptable and willing to travel. Discuss any previous experiences where you've had to adjust your schedule or work independently, proving that you can handle the demands of the role.