Annual salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum, including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance.
Location: South Tyneside & Sunderland.
Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
There is an expectation that any candidates will need to undertake out‑of‑hours duties. This will be for one week out of twelve and includes being on standby. The duty is paid at £30 per weekday and £50 on weekend days, with overtime paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
About the Role
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The Housing Support Officer will support asylum seekers through their right‑to‑work application process with the Home Office, providing practical and emotional support, addressing safeguarding and welfare needs, monitoring wellbeing, and keeping accurate records for compliance.
The role is responsible for delivering a high‑quality housing management and support service to service users, combining property management with person‑centred support. The post holder will manage a portfolio of homes within an assigned region, ensuring properties are maintained to contractual standards while safeguarding the welfare and wellbeing of all service users. Responsibilities include coordinating move‑ins, move‑outs, voids and inspections, monitoring compliance with key performance indicators, identifying and managing risks, and working collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, care providers and community organisations.
Role Criteria
* Support asylum seekers throughout their application process, ensuring welfare and safeguarding needs are met
* Provide practical and emotional support to individuals and families
* Identify needs and put in place support packages to promote independence
* Work with vulnerable and diverse client groups, including those with mental health needs or challenging behaviours
* Carry out risk assessments and maintain accurate records for audits and compliance
* Communicate effectively with colleagues, service users, local authorities and partner organisations
* Maintain professional boundaries while being approachable, empathetic and supportive
* Work independently, showing resilience and initiative
* Flexible and willing to travel between sites
* Hold a full UK driving licence
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Annual Mears Fun Day
* Volunteering leave – paid time for community volunteering
* Staff perks through Mears Rewards – discounts on groceries, holidays, eye tests, share‑save scheme and more
* Family‑friendly policies
* Company vehicle and fuel card
* Access to EAP counselling sessions
Eligibility and Background Checks
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK; Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
All roles are subject to relevant background, identity and security checks before commencement of employment, including a Background, Identity, Security clearance and BPSS check. Candidates will be required to provide proof of address, references, a valid passport and evidence of residence in the UK for the last five years.
Equal Opportunities
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all. We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We also hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
Social Mobility Commitment
During the application stages, candidates may be invited to voluntarily share their background information to help us better understand the diversity of our applicants. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
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