Make yourself at home

Home sweet home is never sweeter than when the winter weather begins to grip.

Sadly, for many people across the UK the housing crisis means there’s simply not enough sweetness to go around.

According to research  millions of people are living in unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable accommodation.

However, the housing shortage is not new. In fact, it dates back almost 40 years to when the then government’s Right to Buy policy essentially eliminated more than two-thirds of council housing.

In 1979, more than 42% of the population lived in upwards of 6.5 million council houses. Today, figures indicate only 2 million council houses remain.

So, what can be done to tackle the growing problem?

According to data from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence, simply building more houses isn’t enough. While the government has pledged to build 300,000 houses a year, this is likely to have little impact on the real culprit – sky-high rents and soaring property prices.

In the 13 years since 1996, average UK house prices have risen an eye-watering 160%.

It’s been proposed, instead, that greater provision of affordable social housing, an end to benefit cuts, additional support for first-time buyers and higher taxes for landlords to reduce stagnation and encourage house sales would be more practical.

Of course, solving the housing crisis isn’t going to happen overnight and with such a mammoth task ahead social work superstars are needed to help the vulnerable.

So just what kinds of jobs could you expect to find in the social housing sector?

Perhaps the most hands-on is the role of Housing Solutions Officer. This involves meeting and assessing clients who may need emergency housing, providing advice, creating useable housing action plans and organising temporary accommodation when necessary.

The role can be challenging and requires sensitivity and empathy for people who are at a real low point in their lives.

The Housing Enforcement Officer, meanwhile, needs applicants with extensive knowledge of social housing regulations. Determination and pragmatism are key skills here, as the position involves liaising with landlords, conducting inspections and arranging for repairs, as well as preparing and managing legal documents.

It’s not a job for the work shy – prospective candidates should be comfortable with large caseloads.

The role of Housing Benefit Assessment Specialist involves assessing clients who wish to claim housing benefit. Typically working within a local authority setting, these social care professionals provide timely advice to vulnerable tenants, assist with claims procedures, and manage individual cases to ensure the best and most appropriate outcomes for those in need.

A keen eye for detail in drafting paperwork and the ability to remain focussed and unbiased are all key for this type of role.

Search now for a brand new home in Social Services and Housing.

Posted on December 4, 2019