We have an exciting opportunity available for a Safe Accommodation Support Officer to join our Housing Needs and Options Service, here at Wokingham Borough Council. This exciting new post will support the delivery of the Home Refuge Service and other safe accommodation housing options which will prevent homelessness for victim survivors of domestic abuse.
The Role
As the Safe Accommodation Support Officer, you will be the lead officer for the Home Refuge Scheme, ensuring that the scheme is delivered in line with legislation and best practise and that homelessness prevention is achieved through making properties safe for victim survivors.
Please note this is a 12-month fixed-term contract for 25 hours per week.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Triaging referrals received for the Home Refuge Scheme and assessing suitability for the scheme
2. Liaising with victim survivors of domestic abuse and attend home visits to complete target hardening risk assessment and complete relevant safeguarding referrals
3. Working with landlords and other external partner to secure installation of security measures
4. Working with statutory and voluntary organisations to promote the Home Refuge Scheme and other safe accommodation options which are available for victim survivors of domestic abuse and to assit with the ongoing developement of dispersed accommodation
5. To support with data collection and monitoring and assist with managing stock required for the Home Refuge scheme
About You
We are looking for an organised and motivated individual with experience of working with vulnerable people; it is desirable for experience of working with victim survivors in the community. The ideal candidate will have:
6. Previous experience in a front-line housing service or of working with/ alongside safeguarding services
7. Knowledge of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
8. Good written and verbal communication skills
9. A valid driving license and daily access to a vehicle
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join an excellent and dynamic team.
Please note, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, as this advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.
For an Informal discussion, please email Tanya Pellew, Housing and Domestic Abuse Specialist tanya.pellew@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing date of applications: 3rd August 2025, 11pm
Interview date: TBC
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.