Overview
Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers whilst their claim is being assessed in three regions: Northeast, Yorkshire and Humber, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. We are looking for a Housing Support Officer to join our expanding team. This rewarding role focuses on supporting asylum seekers through their right-to-work application process with the Home Office. You will provide both practical and emotional support, address safeguarding and welfare needs, monitor wellbeing, and keep accurate records for compliance. Every day is different, and while the role can be challenging, it is also highly rewarding for someone who is resilient, empathetic, and people focused.
This 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. The role involves coordinating move-ins, move-outs, voids and inspections, monitoring compliance with key performance indicators, and identifying and managing risks. Through regular assessments and engagement, the post holder will identify service users’ support needs, provide advice and assistance, and work collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, care providers and community organisations to ensure appropriate support is in place. The role requires cultural awareness, professional boundaries, resilience, accurate record keeping, performance reporting, and a flexible approach, including supporting colleagues and undertaking ad hoc projects as required.
Role Details
* Location: Londonderry/Derry & Strabane
* Salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance
* Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday
Role Responsibilities
* 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 volunteering in the community
* Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts and savings
* Family friendly policies
* Company Vehicle and Fuel Card
* Access to EAP Counselling sessions
Other Information
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK; Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship. Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment. As part of the recruitment process for this role, we will carry out a Background, Identity, Security clearance & BPSS check. We will require identification, including Proof of Address, References, a valid passport and proof that you have lived in the UK for the last 5 years. Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact: Beth Dunford (beth.dunford@mearsgroup.co.uk). If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We are a Disability Confident employer and promote equal opportunities for all. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and have received related recognitions. In our effort to promote social mobility, applicants may voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand candidate diversity. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
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