Housing Support Officer | Job in West Yorkshire

In the heart of Yorkshire and The Humber we are a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organization dedicated to providing exceptional housing support services to individuals in need. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Housing Support Officer to join our dedicated team. As a Housing Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in helping vulnerable adults access suitable accommodation, ensuring their physical safety, and supporting them in maintaining stable tenancies. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Assessing the housing needs of service users, liaising with relevant agencies to secure appropriate housing solutions.
• Providing emotional, practical, and housing-related support to service users, helping them maintain their tenancies and live independently.
• Collaborating closely with other team members and external agencies to develop and implement individualized support plans for each service user.
• Monitoring the living conditions of service users to ensure their safety and wellbeing, taking prompt action when necessary.
• Providing advice and guidance on tenancy rights and responsibilities, financial management, and independent living skills.
• Maintaining accurate records and reports on each service user's progress, contributing to regular team meetings and performance reviews.
• Contributing to the development of policies and procedures that reflect best practice in housing support services. To be successful in this role, you will have a strong commitment to helping those most in need, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with service users and colleagues alike. A background in social work, housing, or a related field is desirable, as is experience working with vulnerable adults. You must also be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks, and maintaining confidentiality at all times. In return we offer a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. If you share our passion for making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application, including a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role, and a comprehensive CV via our online application system. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Professional Skills

As a Housing Support Officer within our organization, you will be expected to possess a unique blend of technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. The following is a non-exhaustive list of key competencies required for this role:

*Communication

• : Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective engagement with service users, colleagues, and other stakeholders. You will be expected to listen actively, provide clear instructions, and deliver information in a way that is easy to understand.

• *Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

• : Your role will involve working closely with individuals who may be experiencing vulnerability or distress. Demonstrating empathy and understanding, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, is crucial for building trusting relationships.

• *Problem-Solving

• : You will often need to use your analytical skills to identify issues, devise solutions, and implement them effectively. This may involve working collaboratively with other teams or external agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our service users.

• *Organizational Skills

• : Managing a caseload of service users requires strong organizational abilities, including time management, prioritization, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

• *Advocacy

• : You will be expected to advocate for the rights and needs of our service users, ensuring they receive appropriate support and are treated fairly at all times. This may involve liaising with landlords, local authorities, or other organizations on their behalf.

• *Continuous Learning and Development

• : The housing sector is constantly evolving, and as a Housing Support Officer, you will be expected to stay up-to-date with new policies, best practices, and legislation. This may involve attending training courses, reading relevant literature, or participating in professional networking events.

• *Resilience and Adaptability

• : Working within the housing sector can be challenging, and you will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to navigate difficult situations effectively. This includes remaining calm under pressure, staying focused on goals, and finding creative solutions to problems as they arise.

• *Teamwork

• : Collaboration is key in our organization. You will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues, share best practice, and contribute to the wider success of the team and the organization.

• *IT Literacy

• : Familiarity with common office software packages (such as Microsoft Office), case management systems, and digital communication tools is essential for efficient working.

• *Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• : Our organization values equality, diversity, and inclusion. You will be expected to approach your work in a manner that upholds these values, ensuring fairness and respect for all service users and colleagues.

Job Role Summary

In this critical role as a Housing Support Officer within our dynamic and compassionate team, you will be at the heart of supporting vulnerable individuals in need of housing assistance in Yorkshire and The Humber region. Your primary responsibility is to work collaboratively with service users, local authorities, and other relevant agencies to ensure that our clients have access to safe and suitable accommodation and receive the necessary support to sustain their tenancies and improve their overall quality of life. Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments for new applicants, including gathering information about their housing needs, health, and personal circumstances to create tailored support plans that promote independence and self-sufficiency.
• Provide practical advice and guidance on a range of topics related to tenancy management, financial capability, debt management, and maintaining a stable home environment.
• Liaise with local housing providers, landlords, and property managers to secure appropriate accommodation for service users based on their individual needs.
• Maintain effective relationships with external agencies, such as local authorities, health services, and voluntary sector organizations, to ensure that our clients receive holistic support and that their wider needs are addressed.
• Offer ongoing emotional and practical support to service users, helping them navigate any challenges they may encounter in maintaining their tenancies, and empowering them to take control of their lives.
• Collaborate with your colleagues within the team and other departments to share best practices, identify gaps in service provision, and continuously improve our organization's housing support offering.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training programs for new staff members to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their roles as Housing Support Officers.
• Comply with all relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, ensuring that our organization operates effectively and efficiently while upholding the highest standards of service delivery. Essential Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience working within a housing support or related role, ideally within the voluntary sector or local authority setting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• A proactive approach to case management and a commitment to empowering service users to achieve their goals.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines consistently.
• A good understanding of housing law, tenancy issues, and related legislation, as well as knowledge of wider support services available for vulnerable individuals.
• Proficiency in using relevant IT systems, including Microsoft Office Suite and databases, to manage casework efficiently and maintain accurate records. By joining our team as a Housing Support Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of some of Yorkshire and The Humber's most vulnerable individuals. We offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, and ongoing professional development opportunities within a supportive and collaborative work environment. If you are passionate about housing support, committed to making a positive impact on people's lives, and ready to join an organization that values its staff and the work they do we encourage you to apply for this exciting role today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Who We Are Looking For

In our mission to provide comprehensive support services for individuals and families in need across Yorkshire and the Humber we are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to join our team as a Housing Support Officer.

*Role: Housing Support Officer *

As a Housing Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our service users by providing them with tailored support to secure and maintain suitable housing. You will work closely with vulnerable individuals and families, helping them navigate complex housing systems and advocating for their rights and needs.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Provide advice, guidance, and practical assistance to service users regarding their housing needs.
• Liaise with local housing authorities, landlords, and other relevant agencies to secure suitable housing for service users.
• Develop and implement support plans tailored to the individual needs of each service user.
• Conduct regular home visits to monitor the living situations of our service users and ensure their ongoing safety and well-being.
• Advocate on behalf of service users to resolve any housing-related issues they may encounter.
• Collaborate with other team members to deliver holistic support services that address the multifaceted needs of each service user.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to your work as a Housing Support Officer.

*Qualifications and Skills: *

• Relevant qualification in housing, social work, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
• Proven experience working with vulnerable individuals and families in a housing support role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple cases concurrently.
• A solutions-focused approach to problem-solving with a commitment to advocating for service users' rights and needs.
• Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle is desirable but not essential. Join our team as a Housing Support Officer, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most across Yorkshire and the Humber. We look forward to receiving your application!

Reason for Hiring

Reason for Hiring: As our organisation continues to grow and serve the diverse communities in Yorkshire and The Humber we are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Housing Support Officer to join our dynamic team. This role is critical to our mission of providing support to vulnerable individuals and families facing housing-related challenges, ensuring they have access to safe and secure homes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to social justice, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. As a Housing Support Officer, you will play a vital role in providing advice, support, and advocacy to individuals navigating the complexities of the housing system. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assessing clients' needs and developing appropriate support plans
• Liaising with landlords, local authorities, and other relevant agencies on behalf of clients
• Providing practical advice and guidance on tenancy rights, budgeting, and debt management
• Facilitating access to additional services, such as mental health support or education opportunities where necessary
• Collaborating with our team to ensure the efficient delivery of our housing support service To be successful in this role, you should have:
• A relevant qualification in social work, housing, or a related field
• Proven experience working in a housing support or related role, preferably within a community-based organisation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to engage effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Strong organisational and case management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple caseloads effectively
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to learn from colleagues and peers
• A passion for social justice and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives We believe that a diverse workforce brings strength, creativity, and innovation, and we encourage applications from all sections of the community. If you share our values and are ready to join us in making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals we would love to hear from you. (Include closing date if applicable)

Daily Expectations

In this role as a Housing Support Officer within our team, you will be expected to:

*Case Management: *

Manage a caseload of service users, ensuring that their housing and support needs are met in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures. This includes assessing their needs, developing and implementing support plans, and monitoring progress.

• *Tenancy Sustainment:

Work closely with service users to help them maintain their tenancies, addressing any issues that may arise. This could involve liaising with landlords, arranging repairs, or providing advice on tenancy rights and responsibilities.

• *Homelessness Prevention:

Identify and address the root causes of homelessness for service users, working collaboratively with other agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

• *Support Planning:

Develop, implement, and review support plans that are tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring they have access to the right services at the right time. This could involve coordinating multi-agency responses, liaising with health, education, and social care professionals, and providing direct practical and emotional support.

• *Risk Assessment:

Conduct regular risk assessments for service users, identifying any potential risks to their safety and wellbeing and taking appropriate action to mitigate these.

• *Record Keeping:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each service user, including notes on meetings, support provided, and progress made. This is essential for effective case management and for demonstrating the organisation's compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines.

• *Continuous Professional Development:

Stay abreast of developments in housing support and related fields through regular training and professional development activities. This will help ensure that you can provide the most effective support possible to service users.

• *Collaboration:

Work collaboratively with other members of our team, as well as with colleagues from other organisations, to deliver the best possible outcomes for service users. This may involve attending multi-agency meetings, participating in joint initiatives, or sharing best practice and learning opportunities.

Our Company

Welcome to a dynamic and compassionate organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in Yorkshire and The Humber. As a forward-thinking social enterprise we are committed to delivering high-quality housing support services that empower people to overcome challenges and thrive. Our mission is to create an inclusive community where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and supportive housing solutions. We work tirelessly to provide our clients with the resources they need to secure stable accommodation, develop essential life skills, and achieve their personal goals. As part of our team, you will join a diverse group of dedicated professionals who share a passion for making a difference in people's lives. Our organization values empathy, resilience, innovation, collaboration, and integrity, ensuring that every client receives the best possible support during their journey towards self-sufficiency. Our Housing Support Officer role is integral to our mission. In this position, you will work closely with vulnerable individuals and families, providing them with the practical and emotional assistance they need to maintain their housing situation or secure new accommodation. You will be responsible for:

• Conducting comprehensive housing needs assessments
• Liaising with local authorities, landlords, and other relevant agencies to secure suitable housing solutions
• Developing and implementing support plans tailored to each client's unique needs
• Providing advice on budgeting, tenancy agreements, and managing debts
• Offering ongoing emotional support and advocating for clients in challenging situations If you are a compassionate, proactive individual with excellent communication skills and a commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives we would love to hear from you. Join our team today and help us create a brighter future for the individuals and families we serve.