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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 strong knowledge of housing legislation.
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 Essex 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 Essex
✨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 researching common questions for Housing Caseworker roles. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and be ready to share specific examples of your past work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get the attention you deserve.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Caseworker in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in housing services. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of a Housing Caseworker, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of housing legislation and homelessness prevention in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can articulate their knowledge clearly, so be specific about relevant laws and your practical experience.
Be Personable: Since this role involves supporting vulnerable individuals, let your compassionate side shine through. Share examples of how you’ve built relationships and provided support in previous roles – it’ll make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 and Communication Skills
As a Housing Caseworker, you'll be supporting vulnerable individuals. Be ready to share how you've built relationships and communicated effectively with clients in challenging situations.
✨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.