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- Tasks: Help individuals and families at risk of homelessness find safe housing solutions.
- Company: Join West Lothian Council, dedicated to supporting diverse communities across Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fixed-term role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just bring your passion for helping others!
- Other info: This role involves home visits and flexible working arrangements across West Lothian.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Advert
Fixed Term until 30 April 2026.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds
We have exciting opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Housing Access Team to help make a difference to the lives of people who are either experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
As a Housing Options Officer within a high demand, high performing team tasked with delivering the council’s housing options service in order to meet the needs of individuals or families identified as being at risk, including those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will do this through providing a comprehensive range of housing options and assessment services to meet the statutory homeless and support needs of individuals and families. This will include undertaking the statutory homeless presentation and assessment where required, and in full compliance with policy, practice and regulatory codes of guidance.
The Housing Need Service operates a prevention first model of service delivery, and Housing Options Officers are responsible for assisting those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, identifying risks and opportunities through housing options interviews, working with our partners to undertake interventions with the aim of preventing homelessness and sustaining safe accommodation wherever possible.
In order to achieve this, the post holder will be expected to deliver a programme of advice and support activities for customers, whilst ensuring that individuals/households housing needs are identified and appropriate action is taken either directly with officers through case management, or by making referrals to specialist support and advice providers.
The post holder will promote a person-centred approach through assessment to build capacity for individuals and families to where possible prevent homelessness and achieve sustainable outcomes. Officers are required to undertake home visits and office interviews throughout West Lothian, and will work in council buildings on a rota basis, and will be expected to deliver services face to face, virtually, and occasionally with travel required.
Officers will work closely with other services and teams responsible for supporting and managing the accommodation and tenancies of homeless applicants, and will be expected to successfully maintain a live homeless caseload, seeking solutions and good outcomes for applicants.
This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007. From 28 February 2011 preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council
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Housing Options Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.94 - WEL09424 employer: West Lothian Council current
Contact Detail:
West Lothian Council current Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.94 - WEL09424
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local housing policies and regulations in West Lothian. Understanding the specific challenges and resources available in the area will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing services or related fields. Attend local community events or workshops to connect with others who share your passion for helping those at risk of homelessness. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would handle various situations involving individuals or families facing homelessness, and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Housing Access Team's recent initiatives and successes. Being able to reference specific projects or outcomes during your conversation will not only impress the interviewers but also show that you are proactive and well-informed about their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 494.94 - WEL09424
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Housing Options Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in housing services, social work, or community support. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've helped individuals or families in similar situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase skills that are crucial for this role, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to support vulnerable individuals.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your genuine interest in the position. Mention why you want to work for West Lothian Council and how you can contribute to their mission of preventing homelessness.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council current
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housing Options Officer. Familiarise yourself with the statutory homeless presentation and assessment processes, as well as the prevention first model of service delivery. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
As this role involves working with vulnerable individuals and families, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported someone in a challenging situation, highlighting your person-centred approach.
✨Research Local Housing Issues
Take some time to research current housing issues in West Lothian and Scotland as a whole. Being informed about local challenges will show your commitment to the role and help you discuss how you can contribute to solutions during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for staff, and how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.