Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Gateshead’s Housing Solutions Service has exciting opportunities for three Housing Solutions Officers to join our team:
* 1 fixed term to 22/02/28
* 1 fixed term for 12 months
* 1 fixed term for 9 months
Reporting to the Housing Solutions Team Leader you will work with clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will be responsible for interviewing, assessing and identifying homeless prevention options while working with external partners, agencies and other internal sections such as social services or support workers to improve outcomes for our customers. The post will include home visits to some clients to help assess their situation.
Full Induction Programme
* In‑house training delivered by our management team
* A buddy system, pairing you with more a experienced officer
* Bitesize 90‑minute training modules delivered by the housing charity, Shelter
* Shadowing of other relevant teams to see how you would interlink with them
You will have a strong commitment to excellent customer care, equality, diversity and inclusion. You will be dealing with people face‑to‑face in potentially difficult situations, and managing and prioritising a complex caseload. You will be able to work with vulnerable people and be non‑judgemental in your outlook and approach. To assist people who are at risk of homelessness to stay in their current property or to assist those who are homeless in obtaining suitable accommodation.
What You’ll Get To Do
* To assist in the provision of the Housing & Homeless advice in order to give comprehensive and consistent information on housing options in Gateshead to prevent homelessness and/or help people to obtain/sustain suitable accommodation
* To ensure that the Authority’s statutory duty towards vulnerable homeless people is met
* To fully investigate cases of homelessness and potential homelessness and arrange placement in temporary supported accommodation as required
* To assist in developing prevention services within Gateshead and provide such information as would assist clients in preventing the loss of their current home
* To update and maintain computer and written records in accordance with Directorate guidelines ensuring the quality of the information noted is accurate and up to date
* To establish and promote effective working relationships with external partners, agencies and other internal sections that will improve practice and outcomes for individuals and families
* To work on the out of hours service approximately one duty per week
* To demonstrate a positive, diverse and inclusive attitude to both internal and external customers and colleagues
* Such other responsibilities allocated which are appropriate to the grade of the post
* Homeless legislation and the Homelessness Code of Guidance for local authorities
* Data Protection and confidentiality
* Understanding of equality and diversity legislation
* Full UK driving licence
* Working in a housing related field
* Dealing with people face‑to‑face in potentially difficult situations
* Managing a complex caseload
* Effective time management and organisation
* Effective communication
What’s In It For You
* Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
* Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
* Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
* Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our Commitment to You
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
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