At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in need of housing, assess their needs, and manage applications.
- Company: Join Nacro, a leading charity dedicated to transforming lives and communities across England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and free eye tests with contributions towards glasses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in the criminal justice field.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving license, access to a vehicle, and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Applications from those with lived experience in the criminal justice system are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
Working Hours: 8 hours per day (shift patterns and flexibility will be discussed during the interview). The working hours are between 08:00 and 22:00.
Location: Bedford, Luton & Watford
A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential for the role. The role is part of the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) program, commissioned directly by the Ministry of Justice, operating nationwide across England and Wales. This high-profile program provides accommodation and support for low- to medium-risk offenders eligible for home detention curfew or bail, preventing them from being held in prison due to lack of housing.
Role Overview: As a Housing Support Worker, your days will be varied, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on both service users and the community. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing your schedule to meet the needs of the role.
- Supporting service users by assessing their needs, creating support and safety plans, and collaborating with probation and court staff.
- Assisting with housing applications, Housing Benefit claims, and rent payments.
- Ensuring that properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and addressing any maintenance issues.
Who Would Enjoy This Role:
- Resilient individuals who can leave work at work and focus on self-care.
- Curious problem-solvers who ask questions before finding solutions.
- Emotionally intelligent people who can understand and respond to human behaviour.
- Confident and positive individuals, eager to learn and collaborate with others.
- People with strong teamwork skills and personal values aligned with Nacroβs mission.
- Genuine interest in engaging with people, adapting communication styles, and making informed decisions.
- Ability to work within professional boundaries while acting in the best interests of both the service users and Nacro.
- Strong organizational skills, able to manage competing priorities, and update systems in a timely manner.
- ICT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) with training provided for internal systems.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
- Full, clean UK driving license.
- Access to a vehicle (mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile).
- Willingness to travel for business purposes.
- Business car insurance will be required.
- An enhanced DBS check and Prison Clearance will be necessary for this role.
- Applications from individuals with lived experience in the criminal justice system are encouraged, and a criminal record may not necessarily disqualify you.
Benefits & Rewards:
- Free eye tests and a Β£50 contribution towards glasses.
- Access to an employee assistance program.
- Generous leave entitlement, including additional special leave.
- Occupational sick pay exceeding statutory requirements.
- Flexible working arrangements, including the ability to work from home between property visits.
- This role can serve as an excellent stepping stone into other professions within criminal justice and offers experience with various criminal justice agencies, local housing benefit departments, and the DWP.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship. For further details about working rights in the UK, please visit GOV.UK.
Housing Support Worker employer: Nacro
Contact Detail:
Nacro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Housing Support Worker
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Community Accommodation with Support, Tier 2 (CAS-2) programme. Understanding its objectives and how it operates will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview, showing that you're genuinely interested in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in supporting vulnerable individuals or working within the criminal justice system. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in similar roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you manage competing priorities. Since the role involves juggling various responsibilities, showcasing your ability to stay organised and efficient will be crucial.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your emotional intelligence by preparing for situational questions. Think about how you would handle challenging interactions with service users or colleagues, as this will highlight your ability to navigate complex human behaviours effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Support Worker
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Housing Support Worker. Emphasise your organisational skills, teamwork abilities, and any previous work in support roles or the criminal justice system.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your understanding of the challenges faced by low- to medium-risk offenders. Mention your ability to adapt communication styles and your commitment to professional boundaries.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to social work, counselling, or housing support, be sure to mention them. Also, include your full UK driving license and access to a vehicle, as these are essential for the role.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities or worked collaboratively in a team setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nacro
β¨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Housing Support Worker, especially in managing schedules and supporting service users.
β¨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
Since the role requires strong emotional intelligence, think of examples from your past where you've successfully understood and responded to human behaviour. Be ready to share these during the interview to demonstrate your ability to connect with service users.
β¨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a curious problem-solver, prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. This will show your potential employer that you can think critically and adapt to various situations.
β¨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your organisational skills and how you manage competing priorities. Think of examples where you've successfully balanced multiple tasks, as this is crucial for the role. Also, be ready to discuss your ICT skills and any relevant experience with housing applications or support plans.