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- Tasks: Help residents facing homelessness by managing cases and providing support.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to preventing homelessness in Reigate & Banstead.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, hybrid working, training opportunities, and discounts at local stores.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and knowledge of housing legislation are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to personal development await you.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
In this fast paced and exciting role, you will make a difference for our residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and in housing need. Our Homeless Prevention & Relief Officers are on the frontline in proactively working with households facing homelessness to sustain their accommodation where possible or assist with securing alternative accommodation.
You will be responsible for managing your own caseload and providing excellent customer service to our residents. You will carry out detailed case work investigations and issue statutory decision letters in line with current homeless legislation. You will support our most vulnerable residents at a time of crisis, working with and empowering them to resolve their threat of homelessness.
You will be responsible for covering daily operational duties, including town hall cover, assisting with housing advice emails, triage phone line and any other duties and town hall cover on a rota basis. You will be working with a friendly, supportive, positive and diverse housing team. We will provide you with a wealth of training opportunities. At Reigate & Banstead we work in partnership with professionals where we aim to prevent homelessness at the earliest opportunity.
The work is fast paced, and no two days are the same. We are proud to be an innovative and forward-thinking team who constantly strive to develop best practice to support residents.
You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be an outstanding team player and be able to work on your own initiative. A commitment to providing high standards of customer service, with the skill and discipline to deliver this across a varied workload and to work to deadlines are essential.
We are looking for a positive, supportive, flexible and innovative person that can engage well with households experiencing housing need. You will be a colleague with an outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in supporting our most vulnerable residents.
You will have detailed knowledge of Part VII Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and experience of working in a busy front line housing service. You will provide comprehensive housing advice to households with a range of circumstances. You will interview clients, assess their circumstances, decide what statutory duties may be owed, and identify their housing options.
You will work collaboratively with other partners including housing associations, domestic abuse support services, private landlords, police, social services, substance treatment agencies and other relevant stakeholders. The role is largely Town Hall based at our modern offices in Reigate as well as visiting residents in the borough. Some hybrid working, if agreed with the Homeless Relief Team Leader.
Ideally applicants will be familiar with relevant legislation, the benefits system and will have experience of working in a role providing housing advice and/or tenancy support.
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm, we will offer support in continuing your personal and career development, in addition to providing a wide range of employment linked benefits. We will provide you with:
- Competitive annual leave
- An inclusive and social working environment
- Staff wellbeing activities
- Staff Network Groups
- Hybrid working
- Training and career development
- Modern offices in Reigate town centre
- Contribution of 15% towards the LGPS pension scheme
- Access to a reduced annual 'Better' leisure centre membership
- Discounts for local and high street stores
- A cycle lease scheme through salary sacrifice
- Flexible working
For an informal discussion about the role, please call Trevor Woolvet, Housing Needs Manager on 01737 276368. We are proud to support the guaranteed interview schemes for those meeting the essential criteria for the role, under the Disability Confident employer scheme for disabled candidates, and the 'Veteran's scheme' for ex-armed forces candidates.
Closing date: Friday 20 June 2025
Interview date: 16 & 17 July 2025
Homeless Prevention & Relief Officer employer: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention & Relief Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Part VII Housing Act 1996 and other relevant legislation. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the legal framework that underpins the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those who work in homelessness prevention. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions by thinking about how you would handle various scenarios involving vulnerable residents. Being able to articulate your approach to crisis situations will showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Reigate & Banstead's current initiatives and partnerships in homelessness prevention. Showing that you are informed about their work will reflect your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Prevention & Relief Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Homeless Prevention & Relief Officer position. Highlight key skills such as communication, teamwork, and knowledge of housing legislation.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in housing services or customer support. Emphasise your understanding of the Part VII Housing Act 1996 and any previous roles that involved casework or client interaction.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping vulnerable residents. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your commitment to high standards of customer service and your ability to work under pressure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Part VII Housing Act 1996 and any recent amendments. Being able to discuss this knowledge during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Homeless Prevention & Relief Officer, excellent verbal and written communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in past roles to highlight your skills.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Support
This role involves working with vulnerable residents. Be ready to share experiences where you've shown empathy and support, illustrating your ability to engage positively with those in crisis.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, showcasing your innovative thinking.
