Starfish Search is supporting a local authority in London to recruit an Interim Assistant Director of Homeless Prevention. This is a crucial leadership appointment at a time of transformation, offering the opportunity to shape strategic direction, lead high-performing teams, and deliver critical services that support some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
Reporting into the Director of Housing Strategy and Homelessness, this role will provide visible and inclusive leadership to a large and complex portfolio including Homelessness Services, Temporary Accommodation, and Rough Sleeping.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the Homeless Prevention service, translating strategic priorities into service delivery that meets statutory duties and puts residents first
* Oversee housing needs, homelessness assessments, and the delivery of housing solutions, with a strong focus on prevention and minimising temporary accommodation use
* Provide expert leadership on housing legislation and benefits policy, ensuring legal compliance, customer-focused delivery, and continuous improvement
* Collaborate across services and with partners to deliver integrated solutions that reduce homelessness and improve financial inclusion
* Support and manage a large multi-disciplinary workforce, embedding a high-performance culture and continuous service improvement
About You
* Proven leadership experience in housing needs, homelessness prevention within a public sector setting
* Strong understanding of housing legislation (including the Homelessness Reduction Act) and the wider regulatory and policy environment
* Experience delivering high-quality, customer-focused services at scale within a complex, political environment
* Adept at managing transformation, change and performance, with a track record of service improvement and innovation
* Excellent relationship-building skills across internal teams, elected members, partners and residents
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a committed team making a real impact. You will bring strategic oversight, empathy and resilience to deliver improved outcomes and services.