Homeless Prevention Officer for Care Leavers (Maternity Cover)

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a caring and compassionate person to join the Homeless Prevention team, to help provide suitable housing outcomes for North Somerset's care leavers.

About the role

The Homeless Prevention Team provides help and advice to North Somerset households who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Working in partnership with other organisations we ensure that vulnerable people and families are provided with appropriate advice, accommodation and support.

We have an opportunity for a Homeless Prevention Officer working specifically with Care Leavers. You will be part of a dedicated team working with North Somerset care leavers who are a risk of homelessness or who are already homeless. The role is based in the Homeless Prevention Team but also works jointly with the Care Leaving Team to identify care leavers who are at risk of homelessness and to also ensure that they receive the full support available to them. You will also work closely with children's social workers to ensure a smooth transition out of care and into suitable accommodation.

You will need to demonstrate an ability to innovate and adapt your approach to meet needs of the young people and manage their expectations. You will manage your own cases, including working with partner agencies, housing providers and other council teams to achieve positive outcomes. As well as preventing homelessness the post holder will be expected to carry out in-depth homelessness inquiries and make legally sound decisions under the relevant legislation. You will have excellent written and communication skills and understand the importance of confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete homeless assessments with young people taking account of their Pathway Plan
• Give in depth advice about housing options
• Develop a Personal Housing Plan relevant to each care leavers circumstances
• Make referrals for accommodation including supported housing, temporary accommodation and private rented housing
• Attend multi agency meetings including safeguarding
• Liaise closely with Children's social workers
• Facilitate a weekly housing drop-in session for care leavers

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

Flexible Worker

• • 2-3 days in the office
  • Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
  • Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about helping vulnerable young people. You must have strong communications skills with the ability to work closely with colleagues, other departments, statutory and voluntary agencies to provide an effective prevention focussed service.

You must be able to work under pressure as the role can be very demanding.

Ideally you will have previous experience of working within a homelessness service including knowledge of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017, and experience of working with young people and knowledge of the Leaving Care Act. You will need to demonstrate an ability to innovate and adapt your approach to meet needs of the young people and manage their expectations. You will manage your own cases, including working with partner agencies, housing providers and other council teams to achieve positive outcomes.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Lynn Trigg, Homeless Prevention Manager, at lynn.trigg@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426150.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Closing date: Wednesday 19 February 2025

Interview Date: To be Confirmed

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.