At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness by assessing their needs and guiding them to suitable accommodation.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a passionate and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Well-being support, financial benefits, learning opportunities, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to transforming lives and promoting inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and sensitivity towards clients' needs.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
We are St Helens Borough Council located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire. St Helens is a transformational Council which is passionate and ambitious for the communities we support. We provide a wide range of local authority services to the residents, businesses, schools, and visitors to the borough. We can only do this because of our highly valued, highly skilled workforce. Working together, our workplace vision and values guide our organisation, and the contribution of our workforce is key to our culture journey.
Roles That Matter: St Helens Council are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Homelessness Assessment Officer to join this busy service. You will be the first point of contact for clients experiencing accommodation issues and you will be responsible for assessing their needs and deciding on the most appropriate course of action, including assisting people into temporary and permanent accommodation. We are looking for an excellent communicator who has the ability to deal sensitively with customers and the ability to signpost correctly within the team. This role is fixed term until 31 March 2026, extension of contract subject to future funding.
Equality & Diversity: St Helens Borough Council respects and values the individuality that every employee brings. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation.
St Helens Borough Council is a Disability Confident Leader. Disability Confident Leaders lead the way in helping to take action that changes attitudes, behaviours, and cultures for the better. St Helens Council is officially recognised as one of the region's leading fair employers, achieving accredited status under the Liverpool City Combined Authority Fair Employment Charter. The Charter recognises the ongoing commitment to fair pay, secure work, training & progression & staff well-being whilst celebrating employers who go above and beyond for their workforce providing an inclusive and supportive environment.
Be scam aware: St Helens Council will never ask applicants to share payment information or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies. If in doubt, contact recruitment@sthelens.gov.uk
Homelessness Assessment Officer- fixed term until 31 March 2028 in St Helens employer: St Helens Borough Council
St Helens Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With a focus on community impact, employees in the Lead Consumer Protection & Regulatory Compliance role will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while benefiting from continuous training and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Assessment Officer- fixed term until 31 March 2028 in St Helens
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to St Helens Borough Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Assessment Officer- fixed term until 31 March 2028 in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of St Helens Borough Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at St Helens Borough Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Borough Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with St Helens Borough Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Homelessness Assessment Officer- fixed term until 31 March 2028 role at St Helens Borough Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show St Helens Borough Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
