Housing Solutions Officer in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Please note: Gateshead's Housing Solutions Service has an exciting opportunity for three full time Housing Solutions Officers to join our team. One post is permanent, one is fixed term for 12 months and one is fixed term for 9 months.

About the role

Reporting to the Housing Solutions Team Leader you will work with clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will be responsible for interviewing, assessing and identifying homeless prevention options while working with external partners, agencies and other internal sections such as social services or support workers to improve outcomes for our customers. The post will include home visits to some clients to help assess their situation.

We offer a full induction programme, including:

• In-house training delivered by our management team
• A buddy system, pairing you with a more experienced officer
• Bitesize 90-minute training modules delivered by the housing charity, Shelter
• Shadowing of other relevant teams to see how you would interlink with them

You will have a strong commitment to excellent customer care, equality, diversity and inclusion. You will be dealing with people face to face in potentially difficult situations, and managing and prioritising a complex caseload. You will be able to work with vulnerable people and non-judgemental in your outlook and approach.

What you'll get to do

• Assist in the provision of the Housing & Homeless advice in order to give comprehensive and consistent information on housing options in Gateshead to prevent homelessness and/or help people to obtain/sustain suitable accommodation
• Ensure that the Authority's statutory duty towards vulnerable homeless people is met
• Fully investigate cases of homelessness and potential homelessness and arrange placement in temporary supported accommodation as required
• Assist in developing prevention services within Gateshead and provide such information as would assist clients in preventing the loss of their current home
• Update and maintain computer and written records in accordance with Directorate guidelines ensuring the quality of the information noted is accurate and up to date
• Establish and promote effective working relationships with external partners, agencies and other internal sections that will improve practice and outcomes for individuals and families
• Work on the out of hours service approximately one duty per week
• Demonstrate a positive, diverse and inclusive attitude to both internal and external customers and colleagues
• Such other responsibilities allocated which are appropriate to the grade of the post

What you'll bring

• Homeless legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance for local authorities
• Data Protection and confidentiality
• Understanding of equality and diversity legislation
• Full UK driving licence
• Working in a housing related field
• Dealing with people face to face in potentially difficult situations
• Managing a complex caseload
• Effective time management and organisation
• Effective communication

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year, giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services.

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.