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- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support individuals in securing stable housing.
- Company: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Good education, strong communication skills, and customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 34431 - 41254 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for proactive and compassionate Housing Options Officers to join our Housing Options Team and help prevent and relieve homelessness across the borough. Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has invested in our Homelessness Service and is looking for enthusiastic, passionate people to join the expanded team. There are currently three vacancies, one of which will focus on single homeless people, with two posts focusing on families and vulnerable individuals. Applicants are encouraged to advise in their application whether they prefer either post.
As a Housing Options Officer, you will act as the case worker for households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will provide highâquality advice, assess applications in line with homelessness legislation, and work creatively with customers and partners to identify solutions that help people secure and sustain accommodation. This is a challenging but rewarding role where no two days are the same, and where your work will have a direct impact on peopleâs lives.
Key responsibilities:- Managing a caseload of homelessness and housing options cases from initial approach through to decision and outcome
- Interviewing applicants in person, by telephone and remotely, making appropriate enquiries and completing assessments
- Preventing and relieving homelessness through negotiation, advice, and creative housing solutions
- Making legally sound homelessness decisions in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Carrying out home visits to verify living arrangements and gather information
- Working closely with internal teams, partner agencies and landlords to secure suitable accommodation options
- Identifying and referring safeguarding concerns in line with council procedures
- Contributing to the councilâs outâofâhours homelessness service and supporting a positive team environment
- Delivering an excellent, sensitive and fair customer service to all applicants
It is essential that the postholder has a good general standard of education, including Maths and English. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong IT skills with confidence using Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems. You will have experience of providing highâquality customer service with the ability to manage a busy caseload, prioritise work and meet deadlines. You will have the ability to deal calmly with challenging or distressed members of the public. You will have a clear understanding of equality, diversity and data protection principles.
It would be an advantage if you have knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Experience of interviewing members of the public and resolving complex situations. To have an interest in learning about homelessness and developing or increasing their understanding of homelessness legislation and case law.
Experience of working in a housing options or homelessness service would be an advantage to an application, and applicants with such experience are encouraged to apply. The role is hybrid with the expectation of attending the office at least twice a week. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential in this post.
If you are passionate about helping people and assisting those in housing need, thrive under pressure and enjoy team working â we want to hear from you.
We offer the Local Government Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefits scheme, an attractive working environment in the heart of Welwyn Garden City, flexible working, free parking, access to electric pool cars, and a minimum of 25 days annual leave each year. You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site.
Our CORE values â Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent â underpin how we work and what we stand for.
Please note we do not provide sponsorship for employment in the UK.
We recommend downloading the role profile as this will be unavailable online once the vacancy closes.
Housing Options Officer in Welwyn Garden City employer: Welwyn Hatfield
Contact Detail:
Welwyn Hatfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Welwyn Garden City
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and their Housing Options Team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
â¨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on how you can demonstrate your proactive and compassionate nature, which is key for a Housing Options Officer.
â¨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local housing events. This can give you insider knowledge and potentially a foot in the door when applying through our website.
â¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've creatively resolved issues in the past. This will highlight your ability to manage a busy caseload and support vulnerable individuals effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about preventing homelessness and making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked with vulnerable individuals or have knowledge of homelessness legislation, shout about it! We love seeing how your background fits with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, youâll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welwyn Hatfield
â¨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
â¨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Housing Options Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've helped individuals in distress or resolved complex situations. This will highlight your ability to connect with clients.
â¨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain how you would handle a challenging case, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family.
â¨Research the Council's Values
Understand Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council's CORE values: Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent. Think of ways you can embody these values in your responses during the interview, showing that you're a good fit for their team.