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- Tasks: Provide frontline housing advice and prevent homelessness for clients in need.
- Company: Government organisation dedicated to supporting the community in Barnstaple.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for extension and valuable career experience.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help people secure their homes and futures.
- Qualifications: HND/degree in housing or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 58224 - 58224 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Housing Officer for our client, a government organisation in Barnstaple, Devon. The successful post holder will provide timely high-quality frontline housing-related advice and assistance in order to maximise our customers’ housing opportunities. Take action to prevent homelessness occurring, using the organisation's agreed prevention policies. Investigate and make decisions in all aspects of homelessness applications. This role is a temporary contract initially for 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working with 2/3 days in the office per week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Attend to general service requests regarding advice and assistance.
- Assess the housing needs of our clients by office, telephone and home-based interviews, then provide advice to help them find acceptable solutions to their problems.
- Investigate service requests when clients present themselves as homeless or are threatened with homelessness.
- Use the organisation’s agreed homelessness prevention policies to prevent homelessness.
- Administer and carry out the organisation’s statutory obligations to people threatened with or experiencing homelessness.
- Undertake detailed interviews/enquiries to determine homeless applications and notify applicants in accordance with legislation, performance standards and Codes of Practice.
- Liaise with Temporary Accommodation Officers over the placement of homeless persons into temporary accommodation.
- Provide advice and financial assistance to help customers remain in their home, or assistance with obtaining accommodation privately.
Personal Requirements:
- Educated to at least HND/first degree level in housing or equivalent by experience.
- Hold full membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing or other appropriate institution.
- Sufficient technical and legal knowledge across the functions of homelessness prevention and homelessness to operate effectively, including mental health, drugs and domestic violence awareness, and understanding of welfare benefits and housing law in relation to immigration and young people.
Working Hours: 36hrs / Monday - Friday
Pay: £28.00 per hr
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Locations
Housing Officer (Homelessness Prevention) in Barnstaple, Devon employer: Positive Employment
Contact Detail:
Positive Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Officer (Homelessness Prevention) in Barnstaple, Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, especially those who work in homelessness prevention. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing law and homelessness policies. We want you to be ready to discuss how you’d handle real-life scenarios that might come up in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! As a Housing Officer, empathy and communication are key. Be ready to share examples of how you've helped others in tough situations during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Officer (Homelessness Prevention) in Barnstaple, Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Housing Officer role. Highlight your experience in homelessness prevention and any relevant qualifications, like your membership with the Chartered Institute of Housing. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you've used them in real-life situations. Talk about specific instances where you've provided housing advice or helped prevent homelessness. This will help us understand your practical experience and problem-solving abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of homelessness prevention and housing law. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's policies and procedures, as well as any relevant legislation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
As a Housing Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable individuals. During your interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with clients' situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone in need, highlighting your communication skills and compassion.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations related to homelessness. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare structured responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in homelessness prevention, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.