We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Housing Support Officer to join our team, working closely with care leavers to prevent homelessness and support their journey toward independent living. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people by helping them access safe, secure, and sustainable housing.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide tailored support to care leavers, helping them make positive housing choices and avoid homelessness.
* Work collaboratively with Personal Advisors from the Pathways Through Care team to support pathway planning and housing transitions.
* Manage temporary accommodation units, ensuring properties are well-maintained and ready for new tenants.
* Support care leavers with complex needs to become responsible tenants, including guidance on tenancy responsibilities and housing options.
* Conduct property inspections, manage tenancy sign ups and terminations, and ensure timely turnover of temporary housing.
* Offer advice on welfare and housing benefits, including Universal Credit and benefit cap implications.
* Monitor rent arrears and develop sustainable repayment plans to prevent repeat homelessness.
* Maintain strong communication with internal teams and external partners such as YMCA and Two Saints to identify move-on options.
* Attend weekly housing panels and the Young People's Hub to provide ongoing support and advice.
* Contribute to service development, including supporting housing young inspectors and responding to feedback from care leavers.
* Assist in the procurement and inspection of private sector housing for care leavers, building relationships with landlords.
* Support care leavers living outside the city and those in non-secure tenancies or Staying Connected properties.
* Maintain accurate records for auditing and reporting purposes, including statistical data on housing needs.
* Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, lone working procedures, and safeguarding protocols.
What We're Looking For
* A strong understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
* Experience in housing management, tenancy support, or working with vulnerable young people.
* Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
* Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention strategies, and welfare benefits.
* Willingness to travel across the city and work flexibly to meet the needs of care leavers.
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a team that's passionate about making a difference.
* Work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
* Opportunities for professional development and training.
* Help shape innovative housing solutions for care leavers.
What We Can Offer You
Salary:
The salary band for this role is £37,280 - £40,778. The
starting salary is £37,280
with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.
* Excellent with 16.8% employer contribution
* Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
* Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
* Flexible working options (role-dependent)
* Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
* Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
* Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
* Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
* Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
* Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
* Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
* Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For Further Information On Our Benefits Package Please Visit
Please note:
We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.
Contact Details For Informal Discussion
For further information and details regarding the
r
ole please contact Christopher Payne
Email
Recruitment contact details:
Tel:
For more information about SCC please visit
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