Housing Support Officer

Job Description

Housing Support Officer

Location: Edinburgh

Contract: Full time – Permanent, 40hrs per week, Monday to Friday

Annual salary up to £29,856.80 per annum, including company vehicle and fuel card or £3,500 company car allowance.

Overnight (OOH) duties expected: 1 week out of 12, including standby. Paid at £30 per weekday and £50 per weekend day. Additional pay at 1.5 for attending properties or service users during OOH.

Mears provides temporary accommodation to asylum seekers in Scotland and other regions, working in partnership with local authorities and central government.

About the Role

We are looking for a Housing Support Officer to support asylum seekers through their right to work application process with the Home Office. The role involves providing practical and emotional support, addressing safeguarding and welfare needs, monitoring wellbeing, and maintaining accurate records for compliance.

Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of homes, coordinating move ins, move outs, voids, and inspections, monitoring key performance indicators, conducting risk assessments, and working collaboratively with external agencies.

Role Criteria

• Support asylum seekers through their application process, ensuring welfare and safeguarding needs are met.
• Provide practical and emotional support to individuals and families.
• Identify needs and put in place support packages to promote independence.
• Work with vulnerable and diverse client groups, including those with mental health needs or challenging behaviours.
• Carry out risk assessments and maintain accurate records for audits and compliance.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, service users, local authorities, and partner organisations.
• Maintain professional boundaries while being approachable, empathetic, and supportive.
• Work independently, showing resilience and initiative.
• Flexible and willing to travel between sites.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• English language proficiency required.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual Mears Fun Day.
• Volunteering Leave.
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards (discounts, schemes).
• Family friendly policies.
• Company vehicle and fuel card.
• Access to EAP counselling sessions.

Eligibility

Candidate must have entitlement to work in the UK. Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

Background Checks

All roles are subject to relevant background, identity, and security checks before commencement of employment.

EEO Statement

At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all. We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and hold various awards recognising our commitment to veterans. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.