Housing Solutions Team Advisor Apprentice

Job Introduction

Salary: £8 an hour 
Hours: 37 hours a week
Contract type: Apprenticeship for 2 Years

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

What You’ll be doing 

As a Housing Solutions Advisor Apprentice at Luton Borough Council, you will play an important role in supporting individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness. Working as part of the Housing Solutions Team, you will provide advice and guidance on housing matters and help residents find and secure suitable accommodation, working closely with Council services, landlords and a range of external agencies and professionals.

You will support caseworkers with affordability assessments, support plans and applications for rent deposits, Housing Benefit and Discretionary Housing Payments, while helping residents access appropriate welfare benefits and support services. You will also maintain accurate case records, monitor progress and make referrals to relevant services to ensure residents receive appropriate ongoing support.

The role will involve recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns, including domestic abuse and child protection, and escalating concerns where necessary. As part of the apprenticeship, you will also undertake the required learning and development programme, working closely with your line manager, tutor, mentor and assessor to build your knowledge and skills within housing services.

What we’re looking for

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a busy environment and as part of a team, with the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals and families with complex needs. Experience of partnership working with external agencies would be an advantage.

You will have strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear advice, manage competing priorities and deal confidently and professionally with challenging situations. Good numerical and IT skills are essential, alongside the ability to maintain accurate records and understand and apply relevant policies and legislation.

Applicants will need Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, or equivalent, and a willingness to complete the required apprenticeship training. A flexible, proactive approach and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are also essential.

About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. Therefore, it is essential in making your application you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.

Application Process
Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse, and provide effective help or advice, fluently in spoken English

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

Benefits

Please click here to learn about Luton Council Employee Benefits. 

How to apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: Please click here for further information.