Trainee Homeless Intervention Officer

Central Bedfordshire Council; Shefford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking a Homelessness Intervention Officer to help people secure and sustain housing. You will provide advice, support, and statutory homelessness services for those at risk of homelessness, with a proactive, person-centred approach.

You will address challenges such as financial hardship, domestic abuse and health issues, ensuring statutory duties are met and outcomes are positive.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing practice.
• Ability to make sound decisions in challenging circumstances.
• Strong communication and prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess homelessness applications and determine eligibility and statutory duties.
• Provide housing advice on tenancy rights, welfare benefits and housing options.
• Develop and manage Personalised Housing Plans reflecting individual needs.
• Manage a varied caseload from initial assessment to resolution and statutory decision-making.
• Engage with landlords, letting agents and housing providers to prevent homelessness.

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Salary:Career Grade starting at CBG7 £29,542 - £32,046 per annum pro rata - moving subject to assessment/accreditation CBG8 - £32,046 - £34,968 per annum pro rata

Hours:37 hours per week (Please note this role will require you to participate in an out-of-hours rota).

Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.

Closing Date:25thNovember 2026

Interview Date:W/C 30th November 2026

About the role

We are looking for a Homelessness Intervention Officer who will play a vital role in helping people secure and sustain safe, suitable housing. You'll provide advice, support and statutory homelessness services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, taking a proactive and person-centred approach to achieving positive housing outcomes.

You'll work with people facing a wide range of challenges, including financial hardship, domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, and physical or mental health issues. Through empathy, professionalism and effective problem-solving, you'll help residents navigate often complex situations while ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.

What you'll be doing

• Assess homelessness applications and determine eligibility and statutory duties in line with housing legislation and guidance.
• Work directly with individuals and households to prevent or relieve homelessness through early intervention and practical support.
• Develop and manage Personalised Housing Plans that reflect individual circumstances, needs and achievable housing solutions.
• Manage a varied caseload, carrying cases from initial assessment through to resolution and statutory decision-making.
• Provide housing advice on tenancy rights, housing options, welfare benefits, affordability and financial assistance.
• Negotiate with landlords, letting agents, family members and accommodation providers to help sustain housing and prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams, housing providers, statutory agencies and voluntary sector organisations to deliver coordinated support.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to protect vulnerable adults and children.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions, actions and correspondence are fully documented.

What we're looking for

You'll have a strong understanding of homelessness legislation and housing practice, alongside the ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions in often challenging circumstances. You'll be confident managing competing priorities, communicating with a wide range of people and finding practical, sustainable solutions to housing problems.

You will also be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a supportive team environment while maintaining high professional standards and a commitment to continuous learning.

Working Arrangements

The standard working arrangements for this post are Monday to Friday - however, you will also need to participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing support for urgent homelessness cases during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You may be required to assess emergency situations, arrange temporary accommodation and, where necessary, attend locations in person to respond to urgent housing needs.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants,it isCentral Bedfordshire Council'spolicy to only consider applications madevia our online applicationsystem and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.

Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.

All new starters will join us on a four ‑ month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well ‑ supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles.

Free information, advice and guidance into work or learning