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- Tasks: Support Homeless Prevention Officers and provide high-quality housing advice to those in need.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in public services while helping others and gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or willingness to work towards Functional Skills Level 2.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values innovation and ambition.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Housing Advice Apprentice to join our Housing Advice and Homeless Prevention team. This is an excellent opportunity to start a career in housing, public services, or customer-focused work while gaining a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.
You’ll play a key role as the first point of contact for people seeking housing advice, supporting Homeless Prevention Officers to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused service that helps prevent homelessness and supports residents at times of real need.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role:
- Support Homeless Prevention Officers by providing high-quality administrative and operational assistance.
- Maintain records, update personalised housing plans and assist with enquiries to establish the Council’s responsibilities under housing legislation.
- Act as the first point of contact for customers via telephone, email and face-to-face contact.
- Provide advice, updates and signposting, ensuring all interactions are accurately recorded on internal systems.
- Support the management of diaries, appointments, home visits and transport bookings.
- Assist with case administration, including minute-taking, scanning documents and logging information.
- Update and monitor personalised housing plans and review dates.
- Accurately record the use of emergency accommodation and related payments.
- Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to support effective homelessness prevention.
Alongside your day-to-day duties, you will take part in training, supervision and development activities as part of your apprenticeship, building your knowledge of housing legislation, council procedures and best practice while contributing to a high-quality, cost-effective service.
About you:
- Enthusiastic about helping others, keen to learn, and able to work in a busy frontline service.
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards Functional Skills Level 2.
- Eligible to apply for a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Organised, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Willing to learn about housing legislation and council processes.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
Benefits include:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.
Closing Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: Initial group activity/ written test followed by individual interviews for successful candidates.
Housing Advice Apprentice employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advice Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Reading Borough Council and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Housing Advice Apprentice, you'll be the first point of contact for customers. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with answering questions and providing advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to housing and public services. Building relationships can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to making Reading a better place.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Advice Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives, especially in housing advice and support.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention any relevant coursework or volunteer work that showcases your commitment to customer service and teamwork.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applicants. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with housing legislation and the role of a Housing Advice Apprentice. Understanding the basics will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to customer service and administrative tasks, as these are key aspects of the role. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the actual interview.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves helping people in need, be prepared to discuss your experiences that demonstrate empathy and problem-solving skills. Share specific examples where you've made a difference in someone's life, even if it's outside of work.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team.
