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- Tasks: Provide essential advice to those at risk of homelessness and support them through challenging situations.
- Company: Torbay Council, dedicated to helping the community and tackling homelessness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to supporting vulnerable individuals in our community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or housing, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
We are dedicated to helping people who are facing homelessness. The demand for our Housing Options Service is increasing, and we think it will continue to do so. Often through no fault of their own, more and more people are finding themselves at risk of homelessness. The housing market and lack of affordable options make it challenging to help people find the homes that they need. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Initial Advice Officer. We are seeking an individual who has a proven track record of working within a challenging frontline service or has transferable customer service skills. You will be based in our Housing Options Team and will be an initial point of contact for those at risk of imminent homelessness.
Person Specification
- Excellent communication skills – able to give clear and concise advice to customers and landlords.
- A good listener – empathetic when helping customers facing challenging personal circumstances.
- A good team player – who embraces The Council's core values.
- Organised and detail-oriented – able to prioritise their work in a demanding environment.
- Natural problem solver – creative in developing successful resolutions.
Essential skills
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records to provide accountability and deliverability, and to be used as evidence if required.
- Good organisational ability, particularly self-organisation, ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion while working to tight deadlines.
- Ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision at times.
- Confident and fluent communication in English; required to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role.
Essential Knowledge
- Knowledge of 1996 Housing Act.
- Understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Experience of working in a housing or customer service setting.
- Experience in working face to face with a wide variety of clients.
This post requires an Enhanced Criminal Record Check, which will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is relevant to the role. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Initial Assessment Advice Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay employer: Torbay Council
Contact Detail:
Torbay Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Initial Assessment Advice Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector or those who work at Torbay Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to homelessness and customer service. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and problem-solving skills during interviews. Share real-life examples where you've helped someone in a tough spot – it’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Initial Assessment Advice Officer - 37 Hours in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Initial Assessment Advice Officer. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly. We love seeing examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles!
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities: We’re looking for natural problem solvers! Share specific instances where you’ve tackled challenges or found creative solutions in your previous work. 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the 1996 Housing Act and the Homelessness Reduction Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges faced by those at risk of homelessness.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since you'll be dealing with people in tough situations, it's crucial to demonstrate your listening skills and empathy during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've helped someone through a difficult time, highlighting your ability to connect with clients.
✨Be Organised
Prepare for the interview by organising your thoughts and examples of your previous work experience. Think about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively, as this role requires strong organisational skills in a demanding environment.
✨Team Player Vibes
The council values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share stories that showcase your ability to work well in a team, and don't forget to mention how you align with the council's core values.