At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert guidance on housing and homelessness cases while mentoring a dedicated team.
- Company: Join a supportive team focused on improving lives in Somerset.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, staff discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of homelessness legislation and experience in managing complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 36363 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 11 ranging from £32,597 – £36,363 per annum
What will I be doing? You’ll be providing expert guidance on complex cases relating to housing and homelessness. As a senior member of the Housing Options team, you’ll be providing advice and guidance to housing officers on complex or high‑risk cases, including those involving safeguarding, domestic abuse, or multi‑agency working. You’ll lead on the investigation and resolution of Stage 1 complaints, ensuring timely responses in line with national housing legislation and local council policy. You will also ensure compliance with homelessness legislation through regular case audits and quality checks.
Your role will also have various responsibilities relating to team support, including:
- Collaborating with service managers to review and improve effective processes and ways of working.
- Assisting with workload prioritisation to ensure regular contact with service users.
- Mentoring and supporting your team of housing officers, providing coaching and guidance where necessary.
- Undertaking s202 reviews.
You will also contribute to the preparation of reports and data analysis. Where required, you will deputise for the Service Manager at multi‑agency meetings and other external forums. Your role will ensure the delivery of robust casework and effective resolution of issues. You’ll play a key part in delivering a compassionate, efficient service that’s grounded in legislation, good practice and doing what’s right for our communities.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
- In‑depth knowledge of homelessness legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Welfare Benefits System and the choice‑based lettings system.
- Proven ability to manage complex cases and provide expert guidance.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners, and multi‑agency forums.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving and organisational skills.
- Qualified to A‑Level or equivalent, or qualified through relevant experience in a similar front‑line service.
What’s in it for me? We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:
- We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
- Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
- Staff discounts in gyms.
- Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
- Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
- My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.
We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve. We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team.
Senior Housing Options Officer in Bridgwater employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Senior Housing Options Officer, you will join a dedicated team in Somerset that is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of local residents. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development, offering flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and a range of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds to help us deliver compassionate and effective housing solutions for our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Options Officer in Bridgwater
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Somerset-Council-1, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Somerset-Council-1 and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Options Officer in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Somerset-Council-1 and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Somerset-Council-1, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Somerset-Council-1.
