Dan Hay - Housing Support Worker at BARCA-Leeds

Tell us about your current role and what it involves

I'm currently working for BARCA-Leeds as a Housing Support Worker. I found this job on the Leeds City Council website. 

What do you enjoy about your job the most?

The role is focused on supporting people in tackling their issues around housing which can be challenging at times but always rewarding. I like being able to support people within the community of Leeds. The job has also given me a new perspective of Leeds that I never had as a student. I enjoy the opportunity this role has given me to specialise in areas that most interest me, such as housing law and the benefits system.

What skills that you learnt at university have you been able to apply in your role?

My communication skills developed at university allow me to easily build strong, positive relationships with people that I am supporting which is highly beneficial to work that I do. In final year at university I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, St. George’s Crypt. The skills I learnt there were invaluable, it gave me an insight into the issues faced by many people in Leeds and motivated me to find a job that allowed me to help tackle these widely experienced issues.