Housing Officer - Link Worker, Pathways Through Care (16017) Housing Officer - Link Worker, Pat[...]

Southampton City Council; Southampton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Southampton is seeking a compassionate Housing Support Officer to help care leavers secure sustainable housing. The role involves providing tailored support, managing temporary accommodation, and collaborating with various partners. Ideal candidates will have experience with vulnerable populations and a strong understanding of housing legislation. Excellent communication skills are essential. Competitive salary and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Excellent local government pension

Generous holidays

Flexible working options

Training and development opportunities

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in housing management, tenancy support, or working with vulnerable young people.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and welfare benefits.
• Willingness to travel across the city.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to care leavers to avoid homelessness.
• Manage temporary accommodation units and conduct property inspections.
• Monitor rent arrears and develop repayment plans to prevent repeat homelessness.
• Maintain communication with internal and external partners for housing options.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and safeguarding policies.

Skills

Housing management experience

Communication skills

Partnership-building skills

Knowledge of housing legislation

Willingness to travel

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Housing Support Officer to join our team, working closely with care leavers to prevent homelessness and support their journey toward independent living. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people by helping them access safe, secure, and sustainable housing.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to care leavers, helping them make positive housing choices and avoid homelessness.
• Work collaboratively with Personal Advisors from the Pathways Through Care team to support pathway planning and housing transitions.
• Manage temporary accommodation units, ensuring properties are well-maintained and ready for new tenants.
• Support care leavers with complex needs to become responsible tenants, including guidance on tenancy responsibilities and housing options.
• Conduct property inspections, manage tenancy sign ups and terminations, and ensure timely turnover of temporary housing.
• Offer advice on welfare and housing benefits, including Universal Credit and benefit cap implications.
• Monitor rent arrears and develop sustainable repayment plans to prevent repeat homelessness.
• Maintain strong communication with internal teams and external partners such as YMCA and Two Saints to identify move-on options.
• Attend weekly housing panels and the Young People’s Hub to provide ongoing support and advice.
• Contribute to service development, including supporting housing young inspectors and responding to feedback from care leavers.
• Assist in the procurement and inspection of private sector housing for care leavers, building relationships with landlords.
• Support care leavers living outside the city and those in non-secure tenancies or Staying Connected properties.
• Maintain accurate records for auditing and reporting purposes, including statistical data on housing needs.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, lone working procedures, and safeguarding protocols.
• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and a commitment to equality and inclusion.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in housing management, tenancy support, or working with vulnerable young people.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention strategies, and welfare benefits.
• Willingness to travel across the city and work flexibly to meet the needs of care leavers.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team that's passionate about making a difference.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Help shape innovative housing solutions for care leavers.

What we can offer you

• Salary: The salary band for this role is £37,280 - £40,778. The starting salary is £37,280 with annual progression through the salary bands.
• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holidays 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
• For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)

For a full description of responsibilities and requirements, please review the original posting. This role is aligned with the Council’s equality and inclusion commitments.