Housing Support Officer

Mears; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent support organization is expanding its services and seeking a Housing Support Officer in Edinburgh. This role focuses on assisting asylum seekers through their application process, requiring skills in effective communication and empathy. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse groups and be resilient to challenges faced by service users. This is a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about supporting individuals in need.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Support service users with their asylum application process.
• Provide practical and emotional support to individuals.
• Monitor wellbeing and ensure accurate record keeping.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Empathy

Resilience

Trustworthiness

Job description

Due to contract expansion, we are seeking a Housing Support Officer to join our team. This is an exciting position that works exclusively to support asylum seekers going through their right to work asylum application process with the Home Office. The ideal candidate will be resilient, trustworthy, caring, a people person, and extremely empathetic to others.

As a Housing Support Officer, your main duties will include, but are not limited to:

1. Supporting service users at various stages of their asylum application process, including safeguarding and welfare issues.
2. Providing practical and emotional support to service users.
3. Monitoring service users’ wellbeing and support needs.
4. Ensuring all records are updated and accurate for Home Office audit purposes.

It is essential to maintain boundaries and be resilient to ensure a professional and well-defined service is provided to meet the needs of service users.

Role Criteria:

• Experience working with vulnerable and diverse client groups.
• Understanding of safeguarding.
• Ability to identify individual and family needs and recognize support packages to maintain independence.
• Experience working with mental health and/or challenging behaviour.
• Effective communication skills with colleagues, local authorities, and service users.
• Experience with record keeping and risk assessments.
• Ability to work independently.
• Resilient and supportive.
• Trustworthy, a good listener, approachable, and empathetic.