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- Tasks: Provide housing advice and prevent homelessness for vulnerable individuals.
- Company: Dorset Council's Housing Service, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible remote work, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and grow your career in a meaningful way.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and knowledge of housing legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 62400 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housing Caseworker to join Dorset Council's Housing Service on a temporary 12-week contract. This is a remote role, offering an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact by providing comprehensive housing advice and homelessness prevention services. If you have a strong understanding of housing legislation and a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals, we encourage you to apply.
Contract Type: Temporary (12 weeks)
Location: Remote
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Salary: £25-£30 per hour
Responsibilities:
- Providing tailored housing advice and homelessness prevention services in line with current housing legislation.
- Managing a caseload of customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, ensuring accurate and up-to-date case records.
- Conducting homelessness investigations, making statutory decisions, and arranging temporary accommodation when necessary.
- Developing and maintaining Personal Housing Plans to prevent or relieve homelessness.
- Collaborating with landlords, attending court, sourcing alternative housing options, and working with partner agencies to prevent homelessness.
- Offering advice on welfare benefits, debt management, income maximisation, and employment, while signposting to specialist agencies as needed.
- Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, including Adult and Children's Services, health services, probation, police, and housing providers.
- Supporting vulnerable individuals, including 16-17-year-olds, care leavers, and clients with complex needs, in line with established protocols.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience working within a local authority housing service or registered housing provider.
- Strong knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2018.
- Proven ability to prevent homelessness using a variety of practical tools and techniques.
- Experience managing a complex caseload independently in a confidential and fast-paced environment.
- Up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing options.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively.
- Strong problem-solving, organisational, and IT skills, with a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.
- An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
- A CIH Level 4 qualification is desirable but not essential.
Day-to-Day:
- Engaging with customers to assess their housing needs and risks of homelessness.
- Developing and updating Personal Housing Plans tailored to individual circumstances.
- Conducting thorough investigations and making informed statutory decisions.
- Liaising with landlords, attending court hearings, and sourcing alternative housing solutions.
- Collaborating with internal teams and external agencies to provide holistic support.
- Maintaining detailed case records and ensuring compliance with housing legislation.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly rate of £25-£30.
- Flexible remote working arrangement.
- Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
- Gain valuable experience working within a dynamic and supportive housing service team.
- Enhance your knowledge and skills in housing legislation and homelessness prevention.
If you are a proactive and compassionate professional with a strong background in housing services, we would love to hear from you. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Apply today!
Housing Caseworker in Dorchester employer: South West Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
South West Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Caseworker in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you directly to a hiring manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation. Make sure you can discuss how you've applied this in past roles. We want to see you shine when it comes to demonstrating your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a complex caseload or prevented homelessness. This will help us see how you can make a real impact in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Caseworker in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the Housing Caseworker role. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of housing legislation and homelessness prevention in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who can articulate their knowledge clearly and confidently.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your qualifications and passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed a caseload or prevented homelessness. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
As a Housing Caseworker, you'll be supporting vulnerable individuals. Be ready to share how you've built relationships with clients in the past and how you approach sensitive situations with compassion.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.