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- Tasks: Lead a team to prevent homelessness and support those in need.
- Company: Join Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, dedicated to improving local housing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options, strong communication, and IT skills required.
- Other info: Permanent and fixed-term roles available; apply by 6 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping people? Are you able to lead a team, helping them to achieve success in the field of homelessness prevention? Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is investing in homelessness services and is looking for someone to lead the expanding team of Housing Options. You will be one of two Housing Options Team Leaders for the Housing Options team and a member of the Housing Needs management team with operational responsibility for both the day-to-day service and the out-of-hours homelessness service.
You will be in a key role, working with the Housing Options Manager to develop the service in a way which promotes and prioritises the prevention of homelessness whilst also ensuring that there are resources in place for the relief of homelessness when prevention is not possible. With line management responsibilities for up to eight officers, you will ensure consistency in decision-making whilst also providing advice and guidance to help develop and strengthen team members’ own decision-making skills.
You will be responsible for maintaining and updating the key homelessness prevention pathways, working with partners and colleagues to ensure the Council has the necessary housing options for successful, sustainable outcomes. As the primary point of contact for colleagues and partners in the day-to-day operation of the service, you will enable the swift resolution of cases that require a quick response and help colleagues without specialist knowledge.
You will demonstrate your ability to deal with emotionally challenging cases in difficult situations, dealing with cases that require escalation from members of the Housing Options team and identifying outcomes in complex cases.
We are looking for someone with:
- An interest in providing high-quality public services to the local community
- Experience of working in housing options and homelessness, making detailed homelessness decisions and providing detailed housing advice
- The ability to negotiate with others and find solutions to complicated situations
- High levels of ability working with IT systems and confidence in using Microsoft software
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to manage the effective operation of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Housing Options service
Contract: 1 x permanent role (PO1769), 1 x 12-month fixed-term role (PO1615).
Hours: 37 hours per week (hybrid working).
Salary: Starting at £40,689 per annum with potential progression to £43,690 per annum on achieving the designated skills and experience.
Our values are important to us, and we’re looking for someone who can live our values and help embed them into the services we deliver. Our values are Collaborative, Open, Responsible and Excellent.
If you are passionate about helping people and assisting those in housing need, and if you also thrive under pressure and enjoy team working, we want to hear from you.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.
Closing date: 6 July 2025. Assessment date: 14 July 2025. Interview date: 18 July 2025.
Housing Options Team Leader employer: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current homelessness policies and practices in your area. Understanding local legislation and resources will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector. Attend local events or join online forums related to homelessness prevention to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed challenging situations in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's values and think about how you can embody them in your approach. Being able to articulate how you align with their values of being Collaborative, Open, Responsible, and Excellent will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Housing Options Team Leader position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in homelessness prevention and team leadership.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in housing options and homelessness. Provide specific examples of how you've made detailed decisions and provided housing advice in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to handle complex situations in your application. Use concrete examples to illustrate your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your proficiency with IT systems.
Align with Company Values: Make sure to reflect the values of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in your application. Use phrases like 'collaborative', 'open', 'responsible', and 'excellent' to show that you resonate with their mission and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping People
Make sure to express your genuine interest in helping those in housing need. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it aligns with the values of the council.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to guide and develop team members, especially in challenging situations, as this role involves managing up to eight officers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Complex Cases
Anticipate questions about how you would handle emotionally challenging cases. Think of specific instances where you've navigated difficult situations and what outcomes you achieved, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Since the role requires high levels of IT proficiency, brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft software and any relevant housing options systems. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used technology to improve service delivery in previous roles.
