At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for residents seeking housing advice and support.
- Company: Join a community-focused team dedicated to preventing homelessness.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, pension scheme, and discounted health memberships.
- Other info: Full training provided and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping people and making a difference in your community? We are currently recruiting for a Housing Options Triage Officer to be the first point of contact in a customer focused frontline Housing Options Service. As the first point of contact for residents seeking housing advice, you will play a vital role in preventing homelessness and helping people access the support they need.
Working within a busy and supportive team, you will support customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, helping them explore all available housing options, signpost to relevant services and refer to Housing Options officers for further assessment and intervention. No previous housing experience is necessary - just the right attitude, commitment to learning and a passion for helping others. The right candidate will receive full training and support to develop the skills and knowledge needed to provide housing advice, assess homelessness applications, and help people access safe and secure accommodation.
As this job involves contact with vulnerable groups, successful applicants will be required to obtain a Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Assistance will be given by the Council and further details will be in the job application pack.
We also offer a generous flexi time scheme with the ability to take up to two flexi days a month, Membership of the local government pension scheme, discounted health and leisure membership, plus many more excellent benefits.
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Bettina Gresham or Angella Kentaro (Housing Options Team Leaders) on 01483 743834.
Closing Date: 23 August 2026 - 23:55pm
Interview Date: 2 & 3 September 2026
Housing Options Triage Officer in Surrey employer: Woking Borough Council
Woking Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that values community engagement and sustainable development. As a CIL & Planning Benefits Officer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of Woking, with access to flexible benefits and professional growth opportunities in local government. Join a team that prioritises collaboration and innovation, making a real impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Triage Officer in Surrey
✨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 Woking 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 Woking 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 Woking 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 Woking 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 Options Triage Officer in Surrey
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 Woking Borough Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Woking 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 Woking 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.
