At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower tenants in temporary accommodation to maintain stable housing and independence.
- Company: Join Peabody, a supportive organisation dedicated to helping those in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in casework or tenancy support is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
At Peabody, we are committed to assisting tenants in our temporary accommodation services who may need guidance to maintain stable housing and live independently. We provide a person-centred service to households who are homeless or may be at risk of homelessness, experiencing financial pressures, or adjusting to new tenancies whilst their homeless application is assessed by the local authority. As housing caseworkers, we focus on early intervention, tenancy sustainment, and connecting tenants to the right services, helping them build confidence, develop independence, and move on to longer-term, secure housing.
Please note: This is not a personal care role. We are specifically seeking candidates with experience in casework, tenancy support, or advice roles, not those with a background in personal care or care work.
About the role: You will guide and empower tenants in temporary accommodation to sustain their tenancies through the delivery of housing-related advice. The role encourages tenants to take a proactive approach in managing their accommodation and personal housing plans as defined by the local authority.
About you: You communicate clearly and effectively with tenants, colleagues, and stakeholders, and consistently deliver excellent customer service in a supportive and respectful manner. You have a strong awareness of professional boundaries and always maintain them. Adaptable and flexible in your approach, you are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. You’re skilled at building positive relationships and thrive when working as part of a team. Highly organised and proactive, you can confidently manage a varied caseload while maintaining strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping. With solid IT skills, you demonstrate resilience and bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything you do.
Desirable but not Essential Skills/Experience:
- Experience assisting people in housing, support and customer-facing roles.
- Understanding of tenancy sustainment and housing-related support needs.
- Transferrable skills or lived experience.
- Knowledge of welfare benefits, including Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and disability benefits.
- Awareness of safeguarding practices and responsibilities.
We offer 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. Flexible benefits package – including healthcare, dental, and lifestyle discounts. Ongoing training and development, including qualifications and apprenticeships. Up to 10% matched pension contribution.
If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you.
Please read before applying: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. As part of your application, we’ll ask you to answer a few questions to help us understand your suitability for the role, including one focused on our values so we can learn more about what matters to you and how you work.
Our Assessment Process: Our fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment process involves a first stage interview (via MS Teams) no later than the 11th September, with an in person 2nd stage interview at our Arne court location, no later than the 18th September.
Housing Caseworker employer: Peabody
At Peabody, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Digital Marketing Executive, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful marketing campaigns that enhance the customer journey in the new homes sector across London and the Home Counties. With flexible benefits, additional volunteering days, and a strong commitment to employee growth and diversity, Peabody is dedicated to empowering its team members to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Caseworker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Peabody.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Peabody!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Peabody, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Peabody or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Caseworker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Peabody:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Peabody! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peabody
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.