At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals to secure and maintain their own homes.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and discounts on various products.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and access to health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that tackles homelessness and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or care roles and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 38220 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have an opportunity to join East Suffolk Council's Housing Needs Team as a Housing First Officer.
The role involves providing a flexible, open-ended package of support, advice and assistance to people who are entrenched rough sleepers or are at risk of repeat homelessness. The support offered will enable individuals to access and maintain a safe and secure home of their own, in line with Housing First principles. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting individuals to be accommodated in their own accommodation under the Housing First Scheme and throughout their housing pathway.
- Leading on a multi-agency support approach, working closely with a variety of agencies such as drug and alcohol, and mental health services to ensure appropriate support for individuals with complex needs.
- Promoting a customer-centred approach and working with vulnerable customers, their advocates, family, and support networks to prevent homelessness and reduce rough sleeping.
What you will need:
The ideal candidate will have previous experience of working within a similar role and have a relevant qualification in the sector. They will possess relevant or transferable skills and the ability to provide housing advice and assistance to customers. The postholder will hold at least 3 GCSEs (C grade and above), a relevant Housing Qualification (CIH Level 3) and/or have a proven track record of working in housing or care and support roles.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
Housing First Officer employer: Suffolk County Council
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the community, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and access to various staff support networks, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Located in the picturesque East Suffolk area, this role as a Housing First Officer provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse agencies and make a real difference in tackling homelessness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing First Officer
✨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 interviews by researching East Suffolk Council and understanding their Housing First principles. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can make a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work in housing or support roles to the interview. Highlight your ability to work with vulnerable customers and multi-agency teams, as this is key for the Housing First Officer 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 First Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Housing First Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to support vulnerable customers.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for helping those at risk of homelessness. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the Housing First Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Housing First Principles
Make sure you understand the core principles of the Housing First model. Be ready to discuss how these principles can be applied in real-life scenarios, especially when it comes to supporting entrenched rough sleepers and those at risk of repeat homelessness.
✨Showcase Your Multi-Agency Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with various agencies in the past. Highlight your ability to coordinate with drug and alcohol services, mental health support, and other relevant organisations to provide comprehensive support for individuals with complex needs.
✨Demonstrate a Customer-Centred Approach
Think about how you can put the customer at the heart of your work. Be ready to share specific instances where you've advocated for vulnerable customers, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience and Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in housing or care roles, as well as any relevant qualifications like CIH Level 3. Make sure to connect your background to the responsibilities of the Housing First Officer role, showing how you're a perfect fit.
