At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people facing homelessness by providing support and advice in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Plymouth City Council, committed to innovative solutions for housing challenges.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or frontline housing services is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you passionate about helping people facing homelessness? Can you work in a fast-paced environment? The demand for the Housing Options Service is increasing and we think it will continue to do so for some time to come. An increasing number of people are finding themselves at risk of homelessness, often through no fault of their own. We recognise the need to develop our service in response to increased demand and are committed to developing creative and innovative ways to prevent and relieve homelessness. We aim to help when people are in crisis to proactively engage clients in prevention activity that empowers and enables them and the people working with them to find resolutions to the situations they face.
We are investing in additional resources to ensure deliverability of our aims and we have exciting opportunities to join our team as a Community Connections Officer. This role will be predominantly based at hubs around the city, as well as in our city centre offices. It is a fixed term opportunity with a contract end of 31/03/2029.
We are seeking people who have either a proven track record of working within a challenging frontline housing service or people with transferable skills, particularly in customer service settings. Based in the Housing Options Team they will provide focused casework to try and prevent homelessness and where not possible, issue complex decisions under the homeless legislation.
What We Are Looking For:
- Excellent communicators who will give clear and concise advice to customers and landlords
- Good listeners who will be empathetic when helping customers facing challenging personal circumstances
- Team players with good attitude
- People with great case management skills who have an eye for detail and who can prioritise their work in a demanding environment
- Natural problem solvers who can think creatively to offer resolutions
This role also requires working with vulnerable people so an awareness of safeguarding is necessary. They must be able to work with a range of different communities, and some clients who may display challenging behaviours. It may be required, on occasion when needed, to work in the community.
In your response you must refer to the person specification and give examples of how you meet the essential criteria; you will be shortlisted according to this criteria. The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic Check.
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Community Connections Officer x 2 in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, particularly for those facing homelessness. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles while making a difference in people's lives. Join us as a Community Connections Officer and be part of a team that values creativity, empathy, and collaboration in addressing the challenges of homelessness in our vibrant city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Connections Officer x 2 in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Plymouth City Council and their Housing Options Service. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect your passion for helping people facing homelessness with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since excellent communication is key for this role, try role-playing common scenarios you might face as a Community Connections Officer. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and show off your empathetic listening skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities! Think of examples from your past experiences where you creatively resolved issues, especially in challenging environments. This will demonstrate your capability to think on your feet and provide effective solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly through our platform. This way, you can ensure your application meets all the essential criteria and stands out to us.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Connections Officer x 2 in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for helping people facing homelessness in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference and can relate to the challenges our clients face.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're writing your application, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have, especially in frontline housing services or customer service. We’re looking for those transferable skills that show you can handle the demands of this role.
Be Clear and Concise:Remember to keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate good communicators who can get their point across without unnecessary fluff. Use examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our digital platforms.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key issues surrounding homelessness and the services available. Familiarise yourself with the Housing Options Service and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since you'll be working with vulnerable people, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to listen and empathise. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone in a challenging situation. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be a Team Player
The role requires collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before. Think of specific instances where your positive attitude and teamwork made a difference. This will help convey that you're not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a team environment.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex problems creatively. The interviewers will want to see that you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions, especially in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your case management skills and attention to detail.
