Job Introduction
We’re looking for a natural negotiator with excellent communications and customer service skills to join our Housing Solutions team.
This dedicated team is working to increase its private sector housing supply, prevent and reduce homelessness, and manage temporary accommodation.
We’re really creating some industry best practice ways to reduce homelessness including innovative procurement and acquisitions.
This role has a direct impact on the wellbeing of people in crisis and the wider community. You will liaise daily with members of the public, colleagues, and external agencies such as domestic violence support services, probation, police, lettings agencies and private landlords.
Building positive relationships and a network you can influence is essential; you'll thrive on getting the job done under sometimes challenging circumstances. You’ll also be great at finding areas of agreement, seeing the positives in different ideas, and advocating a culture that embraces excellent customer service.
Experience or knowledge in Housing, Social Work or Welfare and Benefits is preferred but not essential.
we have two positions available 1 x 12-month Fixed term opportunity and 1 x Full time permanent .
Interviews will be held on the 16 October 2023
Main Responsibility
- We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals with experience of homelessness prevention or related work e.g., advice/welfare benefits
- You will need to have strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with colleagues, other departments, and statutory and voluntary agencies to provide an effective prevention focused service for homeless applicants, many of whom have multiple vulnerabilities and support needs
- You will be able to manage a caseload and most of all you must be committed to and have a clear understanding of the need for early intervention in a range of household problems that have the potential to cause a housing crisis
- As well as preventing homelessness the post holder will be expected to carry out in-depth homelessness investigations under the relevant legislation
- This is a very demanding role, and the successful candidate will need to be resilient and self-motivated. You will ideally have experience in housing/social work
The Ideal Candidate
- You will need to have strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with colleagues, other departments and statutory and voluntary agencies to provide an effective service for homeless applicants, many of whom have multiple vulnerabilities and support needs
- You will be organised, flexible and able to manage a caseload. You must be committed to and have a clear understanding of the need for prompt intervention in a range of household problems that have the potential to cause a housing crisis
- This is a very demanding role; the successful candidate will need to be resilient and self-motivated. You will ideally have experience in Housing/Social Work/Welfare & Benefits
Package Description
We are really proud of the benefits we are able to offer our staff here at Milton Keynes City Council, including:-
- Local Government Pension Scheme, excellent pension scheme widely regarded as one of the best available.
- 28 days annual leave per year in addition to statutory and public holidays, rising to 32 days after 5 years.
- Holiday Purchase Scheme.
- Our Professional Development Centre provides access to courses such as in-house management development programmes endorsed by the Institute of Leadership, coaching and mentoring and access to our Smarter Learning portal
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Health Cashplan.
- MK Advantage benefits package – a range of savings on a wide range of retail, leisure and entertainment products and services such as Pizza Express, M&S, B&Q, John Lewis and Arriva Travel.
- Blue Light Card - Employees working within Social Care can qualify for a range of discounts from national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more!
- SmartGo – Aimed at encouraging low-carbon transport and healthy lifestyle with discounted travel e.g. Halfords, Arriva, Europcar, National Railcards and Stagecoach.
- Homebuy Scheme (for eligible roles).
- Smarter working which provides the opportunity to work from various locations including from home for a proportion of your role (subject to business needs).
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity entitlements.
- Childcare Subsidy.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes is a diverse, welcoming, and expanding place, built on smart ideas with even bigger plans for the future. We have world class attractions, beautiful open spaces, and a great standard of living.
Milton Keynes City Council is one of the largest employers in the region, making a difference every day for local people. We’re responsible for all local government services in MK including education, housing, highways, and social services - around 240 services in all.
Our values are to be dedicated, respectful, and collaborative. If this sounds like you, join us for a stimulating and fulfilling career measured on results, and a rewarding work-life balance.
