As a Homeless Prevention Officer, you will be responsible for securing long‑term housing for young people who have left care and for supporting them to keep tenancy. The role involves:
Responsibilities
* Collaborating with housing partners in the statutory and private sectors to secure housing for young people in Surrey
* Leading and chairing housing needs reviews, ensuring eligibility criteria are met in accordance with statutory requirements
* Offering support to Personal Assistants and Social Workers to prevent young people from losing their tenancy
* Contributing to a collective effort to create the conditions for success and actively participating in the development and success of the service
* Potentially representing the Leaving Care Service at various working groups, such as participation events and Care Council meetings, addressing housing‑related issues
* Establishing and maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with young adults, including those who may be disengaged
* Working to the reporting standards of the department, ensuring that reports are structured, evidence‑based and in accordance with the Directorate Quality Assurance Standards
* Applying knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Housing Act 2004, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and awareness of immigration and asylum issues for socially excluded young people
Qualifications and Requirements
* Understanding of finance policy to ensure efficient management of the Homeless Prevention budget (no direct budget responsibilities required)
* Familiarity with Department of Work and Pensions Benefits and Immigration Policy
* Knowledge of relevant legislation related to care leavers, including the Children Act 1989, Children Leaving Care Act 2004, and the Children and Social Work Act 2017
* Enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required
Benefits and Working Details
* Starting salary of £36,873 per annum, based on a 36‑hour week, for a fixed‑term contract until 31 March 2027
* Hybrid working, with an expectation of two days in the office per week; office base at Dakota in Weybridge
* 26 days holiday (rising to 28 after 2 years and 31 after 5 years), with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days
* Generous local government salary‑related pension scheme
* Up to 5 days carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependent leave
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub with access to a wealth of resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts (gym, travel and shopping)
* Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young adults aged 18‑25 who are transitioning out of local authority care
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