Evita Social Housing CIC is looking for a compassionate, reliable and proactive Housing Support Officer to provide person centred housing related support to our residents.
You will help residents maintain their accommodation, develop independent living skills, access appropriate services and become more involved in their local communities. The role combines housing management, resident support, safeguarding, referrals and tenancy sustainment.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Build positive, professional relationships with residents.
- Provide person-centred support that promotes independence, choice and wellbeing.
- Support residents to maintain their accommodation and understand their tenancy responsibilities.
- Carry out regular welfare and housing checks.
- Support residents with budgeting, household tasks, routines and accessing services.
- Identify residents' needs and complete appropriate referrals to external agencies and support services.
- Liaise with local authorities, social services, NHS/health services, mental health teams, GPs, care providers, charities, employment services and other relevant agencies.
- Use own initiative to identify issues, opportunities and support needs, taking appropriate action without always waiting for direction.
- Proactively source appropriate external support, make referrals and ensure residents are successfully linked into the services they require.
- Follow up referrals and maintain communication with external professionals to ensure appropriate support is provided.
- Coordinate and facilitate external agencies visiting or attending the accommodation where required.
- Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, reviews and case discussions.
- Encourage residents to access education, employment, training, healthcare and meaningful community activities.
- Identify and report safeguarding, health and safety and welfare concerns.
- Report and follow up repairs, maintenance issues and property concerns.
- Support residents to sustain their accommodation and reduce the risk of tenancy breakdown.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date resident records, support notes, referrals and incident reports.
- Ensure all actions, referrals and outcomes are appropriately documented.
- Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and compliance with Evita's policies and procedures.
- Attend team meetings, supervision and relevant training.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes for residents.
Person Specification Essential
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults or people with additional needs.
- Experience in supported housing, housing, social care, homelessness or a related setting.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience liaising with external agencies and professionals.
- Ability to identify support needs and make appropriate referrals.
- Able to use own initiative, work proactively and take responsibility for resolving issues and progressing tasks.
- Compassionate, patient and respectful approach.
- Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organisational, administration and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.
- Commitment to promoting independence, equality and inclusion.
- A proactive "can-do" attitude, with the ability to recognise what needs to be done and take appropriate action.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs.
- Knowledge of tenancy sustainment and housing management.
- Knowledge of benefits and housing-related services.
- Experience working within multi-agency teams.
- Relevant housing, health or social care qualification.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is compassionate, proactive, reliable, organised and person-centred, who can work independently and confidently use their own initiative.
The successful candidate should not simply wait to be told what to do. They should be able to identify problems, find solutions, follow things through and take ownership of their responsibilities, while knowing when to seek advice or escalate concerns.
They will play an important role in ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time, while helping them feel safe, respected, supported and empowered to live as independently as possible.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
