This role has a starting salary of £36,873 per annum, based on working 36 hours per week and is offered as a fixed‑term contract opportunity until March 31 2027, due to time‑limited funding for the role. The position is hybrid, with an expectation of working in the office twice a week. The office base is Dakota in Weybridge.
Benefits
* 26 days holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years of service and 31 days after 5 years of service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* A generous local‑government salary‑related pension
* Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependent leave
* An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub providing access to a wealth of resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping
* A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
At Surrey County Council we are on a mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of young adults aged 18 – 25 who are transitioning out of local authority care. As a Homeless Prevention Officer you will play a vital role in helping them secure long‑term housing and address challenges that may arise in maintaining their tenancy.
Responsibilities
* Collaborate with housing partners in the statutory and private sectors to secure housing for young people in Surrey
* Lead and chair housing needs reviews, ensuring eligibility criteria are met in accordance with statutory requirements
* Support Personal Assistants and Social Workers to prevent young people from losing their tenancy
* Contribute to a collective effort to create conditions for success and actively participate in the development and success of our service
* Represent the Leaving Care Service at various working groups, such as participation events and Care Council meetings, addressing housing‑related issues
Qualifications
* Ability to establish and maintain strong, meaningful relationships with young adults, including those who may be disengaged
* Ability to work to the reporting standards of the department, ensuring that reports are structured, evidence‑based and in accordance with the Directorate Quality Assurance Standards
* Awareness of current issues relating to socially excluded young people, including those claiming asylum and/or subject to immigration control
* Knowledge of relevant legislation related to housing, particularly concerning care leavers, including the Housing Act 1996, Housing Act 2004 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017; familiarity with the Children Act 1989, Children Leaving Care Act 2004 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017 is helpful
* Familiarity with housing legislation, Department of Work and Pensions Benefits and Immigration Policy
* Understanding of finance policy to ensure efficient management of the Homeless Prevention budget
Additional Requirements
* Enhanced DBS Disclosure and Barring Service check for regulated activity and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks
Equality and Inclusion
We are a disability‑confident employer. If you have a disability, we guarantee you an interview as part of our commitment to supporting you with any adjustments you need. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need; we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
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