At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running the NextStep project, providing housing advice and support.
- Company: Join a respected charity focused on empowering vulnerable communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted childcare, gym access, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Our mission is to provide opportunities for people to develop to their full potential, with a focus on children and young people and those who are vulnerable, have a disability or face disadvantage.
We are recruiting for a Housing Project Officer to join our Housing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day running of the NextStep project for singles, couples and non-priority need families that are in housing need with a local connection to Tandridge District Council. The role will entail sourcing suitable accommodation, providing support, advice and long-term solutions through private sector and resettlement.
We are looking for someone who has comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the welfare benefits system. The successful candidate should have experience of assessing and working with people in housing need and providing support and guidance. Excellent communication skills are essential to communicate information clearly and appropriately for different audiences, using accessible formats and adapting approach based on feedback.
Minimum NVQ Level 3 standard qualification.
Working Hours: 14 hours per week
Working Pattern: 3 days per week, with the following shift pattern (with no unpaid breaks):
- Two days: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (5 hours per day).
- One day: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (4 hours).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Housing Advice and Administration
- Assess the needs of applicants and provide quality housing advice relevant to applicants' needs.
- Provide bespoke advice to any under 35’s that approach YMCA East Surrey to discuss housing options, leading on achieving KPIs as set in accordance with funding agreement.
- Assess affordability and advise of benefit entitlements to maximise income.
- Assist households referred with applications for benefits as appropriate.
- Help with housing related forms such as housing register or referrals for accommodation.
- Draw up tenancy related paperwork including photographic inventories and ensure all legal certification is in place.
- Maintain records of financial loans made to tenants and contact if repayments are not made.
- Landlord procurement
- Develop new relationships by promoting the scheme to landlords, letting agents and homeowners whilst continuing to build on relationships with current landlords.
- Providing advice and guidance to landlords so that they understand their rights and responsibilities, thereby promoting good practice.
- Carry out assessments of accommodation with consideration to requirements as detailed in the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Provide resettlement support to both tenants and landlords who take out tenancies through NextStep both from the NextStep office and tenants' homes.
We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working for a charity and making a difference to the lives of the children and young people in our community. If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferable. You may be just the right candidate.
BENEFITS
- Be part of a long-standing and well-respected charity.
- Discounted childcare for permanent employees.
- Gym membership and free access to all leisure facilities for permanent employees.
- Eligibility for Blue Light Discount Retail Card.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- 6.6 weeks annual leave which increases after 2 years continuous service.
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
INTERVIEWS
3/12/2026. Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
An inclusive workplace: We are committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility: If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us at HR@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.
YMCA East Surrey requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adult’s barred lists) check, along with reference checks.
Housing Project Officer in Redhill employer: YMCA East Surrey
YMCA East Surrey is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in Reigate, employees benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with disabilities. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values community engagement and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Project Officer in Redhill
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to YMCA East Surrey, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Project Officer in Redhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of YMCA East Surrey. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at YMCA East Surrey. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA East Surrey
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with YMCA East Surrey.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Housing Project Officer role at YMCA East Surrey, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show YMCA East Surrey that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
