At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team tackling homelessness and support vulnerable residents in need.
- Company: Warrington Borough Council, dedicated to community welfare and housing solutions.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, flexible working, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team with a focus on positive outcomes for residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29723 - 36329 £ per year.
At Warrington Borough Council, we are committed to preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, and ensuring people receive the right help at the right time. As part of our ongoing transformation of Housing Needs Services, we have established a dedicated Triage, Assessment and Duty function to strengthen our response to homelessness and housing crises.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Housing Needs Triage, Assessment & Duty Officer to join our Housing Needs Team and play a key role in managing the front door of the service. This is a fixed term position for 2 years. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a specialist team of four officers responsible for assessing housing need, managing homelessness referrals, identifying risk, and ensuring customers are directed to the most appropriate pathways and support services from the outset.
Reporting directly to a Senior Housing Needs Officer, you will be the first point of contact for customers, professionals and partner agencies seeking assistance with housing difficulties or homelessness. You will carry out structured assessments, determine appropriate interventions, identify safeguarding concerns and help ensure the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities under homelessness legislation. The role combines housing advice, homelessness prevention, triage assessment, emergency response and duty cover. You will work closely with colleagues across housing, social care, health and the voluntary sector to deliver effective and customer-focused outcomes. This position also includes participation in the Council's homelessness emergency and out-of-hours arrangements.
What's Needed?
- Has significant experience delivering housing options, homelessness or related services within a local authority, housing association or similar environment.
- Has a sound understanding of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated statutory guidance.
- Can assess complex situations, manage risk and make robust decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Has experience working with vulnerable households, including those affected by domestic abuse, rough sleeping, safeguarding concerns or multiple support needs.
- Can build positive relationships with internal and external partners to deliver coordinated support.
- Possesses strong communication, organisational and case management skills.
- Is committed to delivering excellent customer service and achieving positive outcomes for residents.
Most importantly, you will be passionate about preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable people and ensuring customers receive timely, professional and effective assistance when they need it most.
As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:
- 26 days annual holiday, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (pro rata)
- Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
- Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
- Flexible working opportunities where service needs allow
- Ongoing professional development and training
- The opportunity to contribute to the development of a new and innovative homelessness triage service
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.
If you are a permanent Warrington Borough Council employee, you will need to apply for this fixed-term position as an internal secondment opportunity and discuss this with your current line manager prior to applying.
Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.
Triage, Assessment & Duty Officer in Warrington employer: Warrington Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and work-life balance, particularly for the role of Sessional Registrar. Employees benefit from competitive weekend pay, opportunities for personal growth through diverse ceremonial experiences, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community by delivering memorable ceremonies across various venues.
Contact Details:
Warrington Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Triage, Assessment & Duty Officer in Warrington
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Triage, Assessment & Duty Officer in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Warrington Borough Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Warrington Borough Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Warrington Borough Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
