At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people in finding and maintaining suitable accommodation.
- Company: Sandwell Children's Trust, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable groups.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, birthday off, pension scheme, and flexible working patterns.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your career.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, experience with young people, and knowledge of youth homelessness.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave of up to 31 days, plus 5 additional days for long‑service recognition.
- Birthday off paid in addition to annual leave entitlement and 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
- Generous local government career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 21.6 %.
- Service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onwards.
- Flexible working patterns that suit you.
- Well‑defined career progression.
Role Overview
The Trust is seeking a motivated and committed individual to work with care‑experienced young people within the Accommodation Hub. The post holder will support young people across the HOME Programme Training Flats and Staying Put / Supported Lodgings arrangements, helping them to access and sustain suitable accommodation. This role involves direct work with care‑experienced young people, as well as providing support, guidance and advice to foster carers and connected carers involved in Staying Put arrangements.
The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of services for care‑experienced young people, housing pathways, and experience of working directly with young people and carers. You will be based within the Accommodation Hub team, working alongside the Accommodation Officer, HOME Programme Personal Advisors and Social Workers who specialise in supporting young people with accommodation. The post holder will take the lead on defined areas of work and will work closely with the Accommodation Officer, who will provide supervision for this role, to ensure positive outcomes for young people.
Qualifications and Experience
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
- Demonstrable experience of working directly with young people.
- Knowledge of legislation and guidance relating to youth homelessness and care leavers.
- An understanding of different accommodation options for looked‑after children and care‑experienced young people.
Legal and EEO Statements
Sandwell Children's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced barred DBS check is required for this role.
Accommodation Support Officer employer: WMJobs
Sandwell Children's Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of care-experienced young people. With generous benefits including up to 31 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working patterns, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and recognition. Join our Accommodation Hub team and be part of a collaborative environment where your contributions directly support vulnerable youth in securing stable accommodation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of accommodation support or social work. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with professionals who might have insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially when it comes to supporting care-experienced young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with care-experienced young people. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills and experiences!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of care-experienced individuals. Share your motivations and why this role excites you.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight key points that demonstrate your understanding of housing pathways and youth homelessness.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the legislation and guidance related to youth homelessness and care leavers. Understanding the different accommodation options available for looked-after children will show that you're serious about the role and ready to make a difference.
✨Show Your Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples from your past work with young people. Highlight any direct experiences you've had, especially those that relate to supporting care-experienced individuals. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Accommodation Hub and how it operates. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team effectively.
✨Be Yourself
This role involves working closely with young people, so let your personality shine through! Be authentic and approachable during the interview. The right attitude can often be just as important as qualifications.
