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- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by assessing housing and support needs for families.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a caring role.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience in housing or support services required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; apply online only, no CVs accepted.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for several Housing Officers who have acaring approach and a desire to achieve a high quality of life for customers until 31 March 2027.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will carry out the local authorities’ statutory duties to prevent and relieve homelessness. This will require a full assessment of a households’ housing and support needs including the completion of a Plan (personal housing plan). The primary purpose of the role is to work with households and partner agencies to prevent homelessness
We encourage you to contact Zoe Tolmie, Housing Team Leader via email at zoe.tolmie@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will hold a NVQ Level 2 or equivalent and have experience within a housing, homelessness or support related service.
You will have knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation and have the ability to deal with people effectively and sympathetically in sometimes difficult and sensitive situations.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.
BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
- Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
- Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
- Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
- Hybrid working (home and office working).
- Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options – Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
- Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
- Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
- Discounted DCC gym membership.
- Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
- Trade Union membership.
- A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Take a closer look:https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 15 September 2025.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council\’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 5.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.
We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf #J-18808-Ljbffr
Housing Officer employer: North East Ambition
Contact Detail:
North East Ambition Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local housing and homelessness legislation. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to Zoe Tolmie, the Housing Team Leader, for an informal chat about the role. This can give you valuable insights into the team's dynamics and expectations, making you a more informed candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in dealing with sensitive situations. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed challenging interactions, as this is crucial for a Housing Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with Durham County Council's social media channels. Following them can keep you updated on new opportunities and provide insights into the organisation's culture and values, which can be beneficial during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Officer. Make sure you can relate your experience and skills to the specific duties mentioned.
Tailor Your Application: Use the 'Person Specification' section of the application form to highlight how your qualifications and experiences meet the essential and desirable criteria. Be specific about your knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively and sympathetically. Provide examples from your past experiences that showcase your caring approach and problem-solving skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Officer. Familiarise yourself with the statutory duties related to preventing and relieving homelessness, as well as the importance of personal housing plans.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
Demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with care. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated and supported individuals in difficult circumstances.
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on housing and homelessness legislation relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about the laws will show your commitment and readiness to tackle the challenges faced by the community.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. This could include inquiries about team dynamics, support available for staff, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest in the position.