Housing Officer, Social Work

Annual salary: up to £29,856.80 per annum.

Location:

Newcastle / Gateshead.

Contract:

Full time – Permanent, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Out‑of‑hours duties:
The role includes one week of OOH duties every 12 weeks, including standby. Pay is £30 per weekday and £50 per weekend day, and any attendance at properties or with service users during OOH is paid at 1.5 times the base rate.

We are looking for a Housing Support Officer to join our expanding team. This rewarding role focuses on supporting asylum seekers through the Home Office application process, providing both practical and emotional support, addressing safeguarding and welfare needs, monitoring wellbeing, and maintaining accurate records for compliance. The role involves coordinating move‑ins, move‑outs, voids, inspections, and monitoring compliance with key performance indicators.

The post holder will identify support needs, provide advice and assistance, and work collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, and community organisations. Cultural awareness, professional boundaries, resilience, and flexible support to colleagues are essential.

• Support asylum seekers throughout 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.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company vehicle and fuel card.
• Volunteering leave and Mears Rewards programme.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Access to EAP counselling sessions.

All roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK;
Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

All roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment, including Proof of Address, References, a valid passport, and proof of residence in the UK for the past 5 years.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer and support the Armed Forces Covenant, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and the Career Transition Partnership.