Homeless centre jobs

[Lipstick123]

My aspiration is to work at a homeless centre - does anyone know what sort of questions they may ask at an interview

Why do you want to do this job and what makes you believe you will be good at it?

I love supporting people and I am a peoples person

I went for an interview and was unsuccesful

If you went for an interview wouldn't you already know the questions they asked?

Yes one of the questions was how would I rehouse a homeless person, my answer was near ameniti, whether that's right not sure any suggestions

I used to work with various services for homeless people in my old job. Wondering if the question was perhaps asking about your knowledge of the process of rehoming/ settling someone into housing? Have you volunteered at a hostel or any other support service as this would help you get a clearer idea on these kind of things. From what I understand it varies from region to region. Maybe try reading on the homeless link uk website ( sorry I don't have the link- typing one handed with teething baby who wants to play with phone !).

I would recommend the shelter uk website for a great overview on housing. Also look up crisis open christmas shelter (if you are near london I would thoroughly recommend volunteering with them, that's how I got started and it helped me get my old Job).

It can be a tough area to work in but really rewarding. Really good luck in pursuing a job :)

Was that all you said though Lipstick? Maybe they were looking for a broader answer looking for you to mention things like mobility status, special considerations, analyzing each person's needs on an individual basis, prioritising who to house first etc. Near amenities isn't incorrect I wouldn't think, but it's far from a whole answer!

how would you answer it then - I stated I would rehouse a single mum with children near within 2 bus rides of a school, elderly near family and friends, mental person near agencies ie mental health hospital, doctors surgery adult education centre - how does that sound

Honestly, and sorry to be blunt, it sounds like you missed the point of the question! I imagine they were asking you about how you would work to rehouse someone, not where.

What was the nature of the organisation the interview was for as this would make a difference. Mumbadger's advice about Shelter and volunteering are good. Do you have services near you you could volunteer for? I work in the southeast and there are loads in my town, but the same is true of where my sister lives in the NE so it is likely to be possible.

no the question was 'how would you assess someone needs, and I said the above - when assessing a single mother with children i would place their near a school that was at least 2 bus stops away, so they are near a school, and someone with mental issues try and placed them near their family and friends to support them and look at what agencies near by eg adult education centre in order that one can use the kfacility to make new friends and study something getting their mind to refocus - the organisation is a charity call hostel call reach.

The problem is that you can't often choose where you house a homeless person as they are high priority and often have to take anything that comes along.

Earlier in your post you said the question was "HOW would you house a homeless person" not where.

Please don't take this the wrong way but I think you have a lot to learn. You need to do some more research.

They might ask questions such as, "how could somebody become homeless?" Rent arrears, ASB, kicked out of home, DV, loss of tied accomm, relationship breakdown etc etc

"What hurdles can homeless persons face whilst applying for a home?" No phone, NFA, no internet, no finances to travel, maybe can't read/write, no support etc etc.

yes I understand that if their in temporary accommodation they have no choice as to where we put them however we still need to be mindful of it. I have researched housing issues but its putting it across in an application form - I think I have done it ok but I need to be spot on and that's what I need to improve - thanks for the feedback - much appreciated and no I don't take things the wrong way I am very much professional and always ready for anything no matter how challenging it is.

I have to agree with the others that I think you missed the point of the question. I doubt they would be looking for answers like put them near a hospital if they have medical issues etc. Generally there is very limited control over where someone could be housed. I would also watch what you say it terms of put a mental person etc. Have you make sure you address these terms correctly in an application. Good luck though. If you don't get the job, you can always improve for next time so it's all a good learning curve