At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and prevent homelessness in a supportive team.
- Company: Join Stevenage Borough Council, dedicated to community welfare and equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and the ability to manage your own caseload.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 40777 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to join the busy Housing Options Team. The role involves providing comprehensive housing advice to customers, with a strong emphasis on preventing and relieving homelessness, and making legally robust decisions under homelessness legislation for those approaching the Housing Needs Service. In addition, there will be a particular focus on completing suitability assessments and undertaking regular reviews of Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) for households owed the section 193 duty, ensuring accommodation remains suitable and statutory duties are met.
A DBS check and a Values Based Interview will be carried out for this post.
About You
- The ability to work on your own initiative and flexibility in dealing with varying workloads.
- Ability to manage your own caseload including managing customers’ expectations, assisting customers to take steps to resolve their own housing need, attending multi‑agency meetings and taking part in duty cover.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills to engage with customers in a demanding environment in order to find solutions.
Our Benefits
- Pension Scheme: We offer a career average pension scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants.
- Flexible working: available upon request, subject to operational requirements.
- Part time and Job share opportunities – all our full‑time vacancies are open to job share unless otherwise stated.
- A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave, maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.
- 25 days holiday rising to 31 days (depending on Local Government service).
- An extensive range of learning and development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues.
- Season ticket loans and discounts for public transport.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Stevenage Credit Union: secure savings, free life insurance and access to cheap loans.
- Employee Discounts: via monthly paid membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC).
- Discounted Health and Fitness membership.
- Trade Unions: For a small fee, all employees have the opportunity to join a Trade Union.
Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and recruitment candidates to share this commitment. SBC shall take all reasonable steps to employ staff who are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Stevenage Borough Council is committed to Equal Opportunities for All.
Housing Options Caseworker (Suitability) in Stevenage employer: Stevenage Borough Council
Stevenage Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations, employees can thrive in a meaningful role while making a positive impact in the community. The extensive learning and development opportunities further enhance career progression, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in the housing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Caseworker (Suitability) in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that Values Based Interview! Research common questions and think about how your experiences align with the values of the organisation. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during interviews! Be ready to discuss your experience managing caseloads and working independently. Use specific examples to demonstrate your effective communication and negotiation skills – this will really make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Caseworker (Suitability) in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Housing Options Caseworker role. We want to see how you can contribute to preventing homelessness and supporting customers effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse customers. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or negotiations in the past.
Highlight Your Initiative:We love candidates who can work independently! In your application, mention instances where you've taken the initiative to solve problems or manage your workload effectively. This will show us you're ready for the demands of the job.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stevenage Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with homelessness legislation and the specific duties under section 193. This will not only show your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to making legally robust decisions, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers in challenging situations. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've helped clients find solutions, as this is key in a demanding environment like housing options.
✨Demonstrate Initiative and Flexibility
Be ready to discuss instances where you've taken the initiative to manage your own caseload or adapt to varying workloads. This will illustrate your ability to work independently and handle the dynamic nature of the role.
✨Prepare for Values Based Questions
Since a Values Based Interview will be part of the process, think about your personal values and how they align with the organisation's commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare. Be prepared to share relevant experiences that reflect these values.
