At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice and support to those in need, helping prevent homelessness.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, local government pension, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and long-term career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that directly impacts lives and supports vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice 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 Advice and Prevention Officer.
The role:
- Responsible to provide a comprehensive housing options service to customers with varying levels of housing need to enable suitable positive outcomes in line with Part VI (Housing Register and Allocations), Part VII (Housing Advice and Homelessness) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Have responsibility for a caseload of applicants who present to the council in acute housing need.
- Undertake active homelessness casework to prevent or relieve homelessness using your expertise, knowledge, and skills to deploy a range of interventions including in-house private rented sector access schemes and applications to the register.
- Assess and verify applications made under Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996 in line with the current Allocations Policy.
- Promote a customer centred approach and work with vulnerable customers, their advocates, family, and support networks to ensure that homelessness prevention is maximised and effective first point of contact housing advice is given.
In return, we can offer great opportunities for training and development. We want you to stay with us for the long-term, so we will give you all the support we can to build a great career with our organisation. There is also a superb benefits package including flexible working options and a generous leave entitlement, discount scheme, pension scheme and free car parking.
What you will need:
- At least three years previous experience of working within a similar role and relevant qualification in the sector.
- Ability to explain complex legislation in a clear and precise way.
- Working knowledge of homelessness and current housing legislation and ability to provide advice and guidance to other team members.
- Hold at least 3 GCSE’s (C grade and above) and a relevant Housing Qualification (CIH Level 3) and a proven track record of working at the required level or equivalent.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. 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.
To find out more For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Callum Dorling on 01502 523132 or by emailing: callum.dorling@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 9 am, 30 August 2026. Interview date: week commencing, 14 September 2026.
Housing Advice and Prevention Officer in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk County Council
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our team of Cognition and Learning Practitioners. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we offer competitive salaries, six training days per year, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development and a child-focused culture ensures that every employee can grow and thrive while contributing to a nurturing educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advice and Prevention Officer in Lowestoft
✨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 Suffolk County 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 Housing Advice and Prevention Officer in Lowestoft
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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County 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 Housing Advice and Prevention Officer role at Suffolk County 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 Suffolk County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
