Homeless Prevention Officer (Children's Services)

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Bexleyheath; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Bexley is looking for an employee to support young adults leaving care. The role involves delivering tenancy readiness courses, providing housing advice, and assisting with applications for suitable accommodation. Candidates should have a strong understanding of housing legislation and experience working with vulnerable populations. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering housing advice and support.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining records and reports.
• Ability to engage with vulnerable youth.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tenancy readiness courses to young adults.
• Maintain accurate housing records and reports.
• Assist with housing applications and tenancy agreements.

Skills

Housing legislation understanding

Communication skills

Counseling skills

Data management

Education

Relevant experience in social work or housing support

Job description

To work with Bexley's Leaving Care Service and its partners to provide additional support to young adults leaving our care, aiming to improve housing and accommodation outcomes, promote housing stability, and reduce homelessness. The role involves developing joint working arrangements between the Leaving Care Service, Bexley Housing services, multi-agency partners, and supported housing providers.

The purpose of this role is to support vulnerable young people who have experienced past abuse and neglect, often dealing with trauma, to develop life skills, find and sustain suitable housing, and achieve their life goals.

Please refer to the Job Description for more information.

This is a fixed-term contract until March 2026.

Candidate Profile

Core Tasks:

1. Support young adults leaving our care by delivering tenancy readiness courses to help them understand tenancy management, their rights, and responsibilities, either individually or in groups.
2. Hold regular housing advice drop-in sessions for personal advisors and social workers.
3. Maintain accurate records and oversee data reports related to young people's preparation for independent living, housing requirements, application statuses, types of tenancies, and risks of housing breakdown or eviction.
4. Have a good understanding of housing legislation and statutory guidance.
5. Support young people and young adults with housing, homelessness, and independence skills.
6. Assist allocated personal advisors and young people with housing applications, private rented accommodation searches, tenancy agreements, and rent guarantor schemes.
7. Work with young people, social workers, and personal advisors referred for housing support due to homelessness.
8. Help young people prevent future housing issues or eviction and prepare them to manage their tenancies successfully.
9. Engage with housing providers and landlords to explore local housing options for young adults leaving care.
10. Keep records of interventions and support provided.
11. Collaborate with young people, families, carers, and other support agencies.
12. Understand Data Protection legislation and seek consent when working with other professionals or housing providers.
13. Identify barriers to good housing options and stability, and suggest improvements to line managers.

For the full list of essential and desirable criteria, please refer to the Person Specification within the Job Description.

Appointment is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

About Us

Bexley is a diverse outer London Borough located in the Thames Gateway, offering a blend of city life and tranquility. It features award-winning parks, heritage sites, excellent transport links including the Elizabeth Line and M25, and amenities like libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas. The borough hosts numerous primary, secondary, and further education institutions.

Our Offer to You

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, and generous annual leave including bank holidays. For more details, see the Candidate Information document.

Recruitment Information

As a disability confident employer, Bexley welcomes applications from people with disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. Please contact us at [e-mail] for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.