At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the team in delivering high-quality homelessness services and assist customers with their housing needs.
- Company: Join Sunderland City Council's dynamic Housing Options Team making a real community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a pension scheme, and opportunities for skill development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that truly changes lives and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and excellent customer service.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Sunderland City Council’s Housing Options Team is looking for a Housing Options Support Officer to join our busy and dynamic service.
About the Role
As a Housing Options Support Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting our front‑line team to deliver high‑quality homelessness services. You will be the first point of contact for customers, handling queries via telephone and email, and assisting with key tasks such as:
- Providing excellent customer service and initial housing advice.
- Monitoring and responding to housing‑related inboxes.
- Processing invoices and purchase orders promptly.
- Making referrals to accommodation providers and liaising with partner agencies.
- Supporting the team with administrative tasks, data entry, and research.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience dealing with customers by phone and email.
- Has worked in a housing, homelessness, or support environment.
- Is highly organised, with strong ICT skills (Microsoft Office, Teams, case management systems).
- Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Can work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment and as part of a team.
- Demonstrates excellent customer service and attention to detail.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Work in a supportive environment with opportunities to develop your skills. Enjoy the benefits of working for a local authority, including pension scheme and flexible working options.
This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applications should be made online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk. Please note that CVs are not accepted.
Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invitation to interview if you are short‑listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
Housing Options Support Officer in Sunderland employer: Sunderland City Council
Contact Detail:
Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Support Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Housing Options Team! Research their recent projects and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be handling queries via phone and email, try role-playing with a friend or family member. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate that you can handle the pressure and keep everything running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and ready to take the first step in joining a team that makes a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Support Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about helping the community and supporting those in need.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in housing or support environments. We love seeing how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Communication is key! Use clear and straightforward language in your application. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when it comes to your customer service experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. It’s super easy, and you’ll ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Housing Options Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like processing applications and providing customer service. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think of specific situations where you handled queries effectively or resolved issues for customers, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Get Organised
Being highly organised is crucial for this position. During the interview, highlight your organisational skills and how you manage tasks under pressure. You could mention tools or methods you use to stay on top of your workload, especially when dealing with multiple inboxes or administrative tasks.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to prepare answers to common interview questions and rehearse them, so you can convey your ideas without stumbling. Remember, clear communication reflects your ability to assist customers effectively.