Are you passionate about supporting individuals and families to sustain their tenancies and improve their housing outcomes? Join our team as a Housing Support Worker and make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable tenants across Merseyside.
Key Responsibilities:- Tenancy Support: Provide one-on-one support to tenants, helping them maintain their tenancies and navigate housing issues, including rent arrears, repairs, and disputes.
- Welfare Benefits Advice: Assist tenants in understanding and accessing welfare benefits, ensuring they are aware of financial support available to sustain their housing.
- Homelessness Prevention: Work with individuals at risk of eviction, offering practical advice and solutions to prevent homelessness, including liaising with landlords and housing providers.
- Housing Applications & Referrals: Assist clients with housing applications and refer them to appropriate services for additional support, such as mental health services, social services, and debt management support.
- Crisis Support: Provide support to individuals facing immediate housing difficulties, including those in emergency accommodation or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Case Management: Maintain a caseload of tenants and ensure regular follow-up and review of support plans. Monitor progress and update case records accordingly.
- Access to Services: Link tenants to community services, including food banks, social services, healthcare, and employment support, ensuring holistic support is provided.
- Advice & Advocacy: Advocate for tenants’ rights and help them understand their responsibilities under their tenancy agreements, as well as their options for resolving disputes with landlords or housing authorities.
- Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience in housing support, social services, or a related role, with a focus on tenancy sustainment or homelessness prevention.
- Knowledge: A strong understanding of housing law, welfare benefits, and available housing options for individuals in need.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work with vulnerable individuals and explain complex housing issues in a clear, supportive manner.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and find practical solutions for individuals facing housing difficulties or tenancy challenges.
- Organisational Skills: Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and prioritise tasks effectively.
- IT Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and housing management software (e.g., Northgate, Capita).
- Empathy & Resilience: A compassionate approach to working with tenants from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating empathy and resilience in challenging situations.
- Relevant Qualifications: A qualification in Housing, Social Work, or a related field (e.g., CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing).
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for career development and training.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment.
- Flexible working arrangements and a healthy work-life balance.
- The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable tenants.