Homeless Prevention Officer

Job description

**We are looking for caring and compassionate person to help provide suitable housing outcomes for North Somerset care leavers.**

**About the role**

You will work as part of a dedicated team working with North Somerset care leavers who are a risk of homelessness or who are already homeless.

This permanent role is located 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 manage your own cases, including working with partner agencies, housing providers and other council teams to achieve positive outcomes. As well as preventing homelessness you will be expected to carry out in-depth homelessness inquiries and make legally sound decisions under the relevant legislation.

This role is classed as a **flexible worker** which means that although the office base is the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we would expect you to be **in the office 2-3 days a week.**

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Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

**About you**

Ideally you will have previous experience of working within a homelessness service including knowledge of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017, and also 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,
- Be a robust but caring person with an ability to adapt your communication style,
- Have a passion for working with young people to help improve their housing outcomes,
- Have an ability to build affective relationships,
- Have excellent written and communication skills and understand the importance of confidentiality.

**Why North Somerset Council?**

We understand working for a local authority is more than just a job. We want to ensure our employees remain passionate about what they do and enjoys their time at North Somerset. Whether that means you want training and development opportunities or a flexible working arrangement to fit around family commitments, we will work with you to ensure you are getting the best out of your employment.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance with the option to purchase up to an additional 10 days per year. Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our **Benefits booklet**.**

**Want to know more and apply?**

For an informal discussion, please contact **Lynn Trigg, Homeless Prevention Manager,** on **01934 426150.**

**Anticipated interview date**:To be confirmed.

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. 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.

**North Somerset Council - Open, Fairer, Greener.