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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help vulnerable families avoid homelessness through assessments and tailored support.
- Company: Join North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or welfare benefits and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available; training provided for effective time management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Homeless Prevention Officer to join our Homeless Prevention Team.
The Homeless Prevention Team provides help and advice to North Somerset households who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Working in partnership with other organisations we ensure that vulnerable people and families are provided with appropriate advice, accommodation and support
In this role, you will be responsible for carrying out assessments with individuals and families who are either already homeless or who are threatened with homelessness for a variety of reasons including domestic abuse, financial struggles or those who have been served a notice requiring them to leave their private rented property. All decisions are made in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You will need to be able to problem solve and seek out innovative homeless prevention solutions according to each household’s unique circumstances.
You will also be expected to work in partnership with key frontline partner services such as rough sleeper outreach, Registered Providers, Adults and Children’s social care teams, hospital services and other community based statutory and voluntary agencies as part of a multi-agency solutions focussed homelessness prevention service
Key Responsibilities:
- Hold and prioritise your own caseload of homeless households
- Have an in-depth understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and related legislation
- Develop a Personal Housing Plan according to the household’s circumstances
- Carry out homelessness investigations and make formal decisions within legislative frameworks
- Liaise and negotiate with landlords and excluders
- Have a sound understanding of the possession proceedings process
- Provide in depth advice regarding housing options
- Represent the client at multi agency meetings including safeguarding
- Recognise safeguarding concerns and make relevant referrals
- Make referrals for emergency and temporary accommodation
- Write legally sound homeless decision letters
- Make referrals to other agencies to support clients and to prevent or relieve their homelessness
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
This role falls into the category of Select Workstyle Type which means you can expect to work in the following way:
Flexible Worker
- 2-3 days in the office
- Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
- Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.
About You
You must be a confident and resilient person, with excellent communications skills who is able to prioritise a busy and complex case load of homeless applicants. You should have a strong background of homelessness and other housing related work e.g. advice/welfare benefits and experience working in a multi-agency environment.
You should also be able to use Microsoft Office packages and a bespoke inhouse system to enable you to keep clear and accurate client records
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
How to Apply
If you share ourvision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Lynn Trigg – Homeless prevention Manager, at lynn.trigg@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426150.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Interview Date: TBA
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
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Homeless Prevention Officer employer: North Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
North Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and related legislation. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the homelessness sector. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who work in similar roles, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations involving homeless individuals or families, showcasing your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Research North Somerset Council's current initiatives and partnerships in homelessness prevention. Being knowledgeable about their specific projects will show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Homeless Prevention Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your background in homelessness and housing-related work. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases or worked within a multi-agency environment.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've successfully liaised with various stakeholders.
Address the Essential Criteria: When completing the online application form, make sure to detail how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to clearly demonstrate your qualifications and experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Understand the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and its implications. Be prepared to discuss how this legislation influences your approach to homelessness prevention and the support you can offer to clients.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Homeless Prevention Officer, excellent communication is key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including clients, landlords, and multi-agency partners. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex cases or found innovative solutions to prevent homelessness. This will show your potential employer that you can think critically and adapt to unique situations.
✨Prepare for Multi-Agency Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about your experience working in multi-agency environments. Prepare to share examples of how you've collaborated with other services to support vulnerable individuals and families, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.
