At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential housing advice and support to prevent homelessness.
- Company: St Leger Homes of Doncaster, dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help people find secure housing.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 27920 - 37069 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: Grade 4 (£31,022 - £33,699 pro rata) Pay award pending
Hours/Type: 3x Full time 37 hours per week, temporary until March 2027
Location: Civic Office
Closing Date: 23 August 2026
The Day to Day:
- To provide front end advice to Customers with a focus on Homelessness Prevention, through retention of existing accommodation or obtaining alternative Accommodation prior to homelessness.
- To work with Rough Sleepers, in conjunction with partner agencies to support them back into independent living and break the cycle of homelessness.
- To deliver specialist advice when required to Customers fleeing or experiencing Domestic Abuse.
- Working closely with Customers in Private Rented Accommodation that are at threat of Homelessness, in a bid to sustain their tenancies and prevent homelessness.
- To work with Prisons to ensure that a suitable housing option is arranged for a Prisoner prior to release.
- To work with Hospitals to plan hospital discharges that are timely and meet the needs of the customer.
- Work in conjunction with the customer and other relevant agencies to seek positive outcomes using existing policy, procedures and working standards as guidelines.
- Undertake assessment and issue decisions under the terms of the 1996 Housing Act as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.
- To give customers appropriate advice on their housing needs and make referrals to other Partner Agencies and signpost to Partner Agencies where appropriate.
- Where relevant to undertake visits and undertake enquiries at alternative locations (Prisons, Partner Agencies premises, Home Addresses).
- To request priority to applicants on the Housing waiting list in accordance with DMBC Housing Allocation Policy.
- Provide practical advice to referrals to the service to ensure wherever possible that homelessness is prevented, and alternative options are prioritised.
- To write to relevant bodies to obtain sufficient information to assess homeless applications including GP’s, Occupational Therapists, Consultants, Support Workers and all Partner Agencies, where appropriate.
- Assist in the operation of prevention initiatives, for example, the Bond guarantee scheme/Rent in advance and prevention fund to secure accommodation or prevent homelessness.
- To communicate decisions both verbally and written to Home Options customers on their case.
- To liaise with colleagues within SLHD and DMBC as well as partners and stakeholders.
- To ensure calls into the service are covered within set parameters.
- Keep comprehensive, accurate and up to date records.
- To update computer records in relation to customers daily and ensure that the customer is given realistic time scales in terms of options given.
- Undertake where required HHSRS inspections on private rented properties.
- Work in a way that demonstrates St Leger Homes’ Values and Behaviours in practice.
- Work flexibly in the interests of the service – this may include undertaking other duties if these are appropriate to the duties and responsibilities of the post.
- The Safeguarding of children and adults is paramount to everything St Leger Homes delivers. All staff are expected to undergo training and then to identify and report all safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels.
- Undertake all mandatory training required within the timescales outlined.
- To take part in the out of hours on-call rota (details to be agreed subject to ongoing consultation).
For further information on this post, please contact Kirsty Wilkinson at kirsty.wilkinson@stlegerhomes.co.uk.
Housing Options Officer x 3 SLHD in Doncaster employer: St.Leger Homes
St Leger Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a flexible work-life balance. As part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to social housing, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the City of Doncaster while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and rewarding workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer x 3 SLHD in Doncaster
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at St.Leger Homes.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from St.Leger Homes!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like St.Leger Homes, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at St.Leger Homes or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer x 3 SLHD in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to St.Leger Homes:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St.Leger Homes! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St.Leger Homes
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
