At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in finding stable housing and prevent homelessness through empathetic guidance.
- Company: Watford Borough Council, committed to community support and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic local government environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping vulnerable residents in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and knowledge of homelessness legislation preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36457 - 36457 £ per year.
About Watford Borough Council
Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire; The borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London. Watford is the centre of a sub region serving around 500,000 people living within a 20 minute travelling time catchment. As part of the London commuter belt Watford is strongly influenced by London which brings the benefits of a buoyant economy.
- £1.4bn local investment happening – mix of public and private funding
- 5 major development and regeneration projects happening
- 3500 registered businesses
- Higher than average working age population
- Skilled workforce
- Affordable local housing market
- Home to many major international head offices
The Role:
Contract: 12 month fixed term contract
Hours: 37 per week
Salary: £36,457 per annum
Are you someone who wants to make a difference and help residents of Watford into settled housing and avoid homelessness? Are you someone who is driven by helping people and thrive in troubleshooting resolutions with individuals? Do you enjoy working in a customer facing capacity and delivering excellent customer service to those who need support? Are you looking for an exciting challenge and rewarding opportunity? Do you have experience in supporting clients who are facing homelessness, and are able to navigate legislation enquiries under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and/or Code of Guidance?
What we are looking for:
This is an exciting opportunity for an officer to join our Housing and Wellbeing Service, within our Triage Team in helping support clients who are approaching at a time of need and require an empathetic approach to support and guidance. A key focus of the role would be to identify early opportunities to intervene in a person's homelessness process and identify areas where you can help prevent their homelessness.
We are looking for an individual who is driven and impassioned to support clients at first point of contact. The post holder will conduct initial assessments, triage them appropriately and identify the most suitable pathways available within our Housing and Wellbeing Service, or external agencies. The post also plays a key role in working collaboratively with key partners in Watford, to work jointly and in partnership to provide the best service to a client and their possible outcomes. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement and play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality, customer-focused housing solutions and helping to safeguard our most vulnerable residents who are at risk of homelessness.
Closing Date: 28th June 2026
For an informal discussion please contact: Stacey Ranns, Housing Options Manager on stacey.ranns@watford.gov.uk or Nisha Mistry, Housing Operations Lead on nisha.mistry@watford.gov.uk
A basic Disclosure check will be carried out for this post.
At Watford Borough Council we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.
Watford Borough Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by Watford Borough Council on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles. LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better.
To find out more, visit Local Government Reorganisation
Housing Triage Officer in Watford employer: Watford Borough Council
Watford Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the community. With a strong focus on equality, diversity, and continuous improvement, staff are encouraged to grow professionally in a supportive environment. Located in the vibrant town of Watford, employees benefit from excellent transport links and a dynamic local economy, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute meaningfully to housing solutions and support vulnerable residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Triage Officer in Watford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Watford Borough Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Watford Borough Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Watford Borough Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Watford Borough Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Triage Officer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Watford Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Watford Borough Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watford Borough Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
