At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support vulnerable households in Croydon.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a diverse and thriving community dedicated to housing solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of housing law and experience in customer-focused services required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 43200 £ per year.
Help us prevent homelessness and make a real difference in Croydon
Croydon is one of London’s largest and most diverse boroughs. With a thriving community and a growing demand for housing services, we are committed to supporting residents in crisis and providing sustainable housing solutions. We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Homeless Intervention and Prevention Officer to join our dedicated Housing Needs Service. You will play a vital role in preventing homelessness, supporting vulnerable households, and delivering positive housing outcomes for Croydon’s residents.
What you’ll be doing:
- Acting as the first point of contact for residents at risk of homelessness.
- Providing tailored housing advice, support, and sustainable solutions to prevent homelessness.
- Developing personalised housing plans and working with multiple agencies to deliver long-term results.
- Carrying out homelessness assessments and making legally sound decisions under housing legislation.
- Using innovative tools and prevention funds to help residents stay in their homes.
- Collaborating with internal teams, landlords, and external partners to provide effective housing pathways.
About you:
We are looking for someone with:
Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, prevention initiatives, and housing law.
Experience in housing, homelessness prevention, or a related customer-focused service.
The ability to manage complex caseloads in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to support residents in challenging situations.
Why join us
We are passionate about our staff and in return we will provide a rewarding career with a commitment to investing in you.
- Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and is committed to creating a supportive work environment where all staff can thrive.
- Career Development: We invest in our staff and support their development.
- Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%, up to 31 days of annual leave (eligibility criteria apply) in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more, a commitment to your well-being and work-life balance with access to the confidential and free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
- Family Friendly provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions
- Work Life Balance: Options for flexible and agile working options in line with service demand
- Make a Difference: Be part of a council that is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through effective and compassionate housing management.At Croydon relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change
View our full range of Staff Benefits - Croydon Jobs Careers
To view the role profile click here
Application Closing Date: 2nd September
Assessment Centres:Week Commencing 16th September
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Additional Information#J-18808-Ljbffr
Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officers - Grade 9 (£42,060 to £43,680) in Croydon employer: Your Croydon
Join Croydon Council as a Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officer and be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in one of London’s most diverse boroughs. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity, offering generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, up to 31 days of annual leave, and flexible working options to support your work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee development and well-being, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to support vulnerable residents and contribute to sustainable housing solutions in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officers - Grade 9 (£42,060 to £43,680) in Croydon
✨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 Your Croydon.
✨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 Your Croydon!
✨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 Your Croydon, 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 Your Croydon 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 Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officers - Grade 9 (£42,060 to £43,680) in Croydon
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 Your Croydon:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Your Croydon! 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 Your Croydon
✨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.