Welfare Officer

Do you want a role where you can genuinely help people, have a positive impact in your community, and finish the day knowing your work mattered?

Are you fed up with roles where the purpose gets lost in paperwork?

Do you feel like you’re busy all day, but not always making a real difference to the people you’re meant to be helping?

If that sounds familiar, this role may be a good fit.

This role suits someone who takes ownership, follows things through, and prefers being trusted to get on with the job.

We are seeking a Housing & Welfare Officer to support residents placed in emergency and temporary accommodation, while also overseeing the condition, readiness, and suitability of the properties they live in.

This is a housing‑led, field‑based role with a clear welfare identification and signposting function. You’ll spend most of your time out in our properties, checking in with residents, spotting issues early, and making sure the right support is involved before problems escalated.

This role exists to bring stability – for residents, for councils, and for the wider team.

Cornerstone manages over 230 temporary accommodation properties across Kent, working with more than 15 local authorities.

We provide safe, secure accommodation for people at difficult points in their lives and support councils by being reliable, responsive, and professional. Our reputation is built on doing the basics well and dealing with issues early.

This role plays a key part in that.

Supporting residents and welfare identification

You will:

• Engage with residents to identify emerging needs, risks, or vulnerabilities at an early stage.
• Act as a consistent point of contact for welfare‑related concerns linked to accommodation.
• Carry out welfare visits and follow‑up checks.
• Identify issues relating to mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, or safeguarding and escalated appropriately.
• Signpost residents to relevant statutory services, charities, and voluntary sector support.
• Build and maintain relationships with charities, support providers and statutory services.
• Raise concerns early to help prevent issues escalating or placements breaking down.

The role does not involve counselling, therapy, or delivering support plans.

Welfare activity is focused on observation, engagement, early identification, and referral.

Property and accommodation oversight

You will also:

• Carry out regular property overviews to assess condition, safety, and suitability.
• Complete property inspections and void inspections.
• Identify and report maintenance issues, damage, or health and safety concerns.
• Monitor cleanliness, occupancy levels, and general presentation.
• Oversee void properties between placements.
• Assist with basic room and property setup, including beds, essential furniture, and starter items.
• Carry out visual readiness checks prior to reoccupation.
• Support minor logistical tasks linked to property turnaround.

This is a hands‑on role. You will be in properties regularly.

Working with councils and internal teams

You will:

• Respond to council requests for welfare visits, checks, and inspections.
• Liaise with local authority Housing Options and placement teams.
• Provide clear, factual updates following visits and inspections.
• Work closely with internal operations, maintenance, and management teams.
• Maintain accurate, proportionate, and GDPR‑compliant records.

You’ll be trusted to assess situations on site and take appropriate action. In return for that trust, we expect honesty, reliability, and follow‑through.

• New residents are contacted within two working days of moving in.
• Initial in‑person visits take place within two weeks.
• Welfare checks and council requests are completed within 24 hours, where access allows.
• Updates and paperwork are returned to councils within 48 hours.
• Strong working relationships established with charities and support organisations.
• At least five property inspections completed each week, alongside ad‑hoc visits.
• Residents know who to contact and feel supported.
• Councils trust the updates they receive and spend less time chasing.
• Office staff are able to focus on their roles without…