Group Leader (Housing Options Team) in Barnsley

Join to apply for the role at Barnsley Council.

Directorate: Public Health and Communities | Service: Healthier Communities

Position reference: 50124607

Salary: £55,946 – £59,907 plus laptop.

Working arrangements: Agile Working. Hours per week: 37. Contract type: Permanent. We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you; please get in touch. Employee rewards and benefits available.

Closing date: 16/01/2026 at 23:59.

• Lead and develop the Homelessness Prevention & Relief / Housing Options teams; set clear standards and nurture a supportive, high‑performing culture.
• Manage Queens House, overseeing its 24‑hour temporary accommodation service for individuals with complex needs.
• Deliver statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, ensuring robust decision‑making, casework quality and compliance with the Code of Guidance.
• Improve outcomes through prevention, early intervention and personalised housing plans, reducing rough sleeping and repeat homelessness.
• Lead the delivery of Barnsley’s Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, ensuring effective interventions and partnerships that prevent homelessness and support those most in need.
• Own performance and assurance: oversee national data returns, case audit, complaints/learning and service risks; use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Work in partnership with internal teams, registered providers, health and social care, voluntary sector and people with lived experience.
• Manage budgets and contracts, including commissioned services and temporary accommodation, achieving value for money and safe, legal practice.
• Safeguard adults and children, champion equality, diversity and inclusion, and embed trauma‑informed, strengths‑based practice.
• Represent the council at local and regional forums; prepare concise reports and briefings for senior leaders and elected members.

• Proven leadership in homelessness/housing advice or closely related services, including line‑management of multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, HRA 2017), the Homelessness Code of Guidance, Domestic Abuse Act duties and allocations policy.
• Quality casework experience (personalised housing plans, reasonable steps, priority need, intentionality, local connection).
• Partnership skills that build trust and deliver joint solutions, including with people with lived experience.
• Performance and data confidence, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Values‑led practice: empathetic, inclusive, strengths‑based and committed to safeguarding.

• Enhanced DBS Check required.
• Standby rota: availability outside normal working hours as part of a standby rota; a standardised standby payment will be made.
• Applicants living or having lived overseas in the last five years must apply for an overseas criminal records check from the relevant country/countries.
• Applicants must be prepared to start work with all necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa; the council does not provide sponsorship for visa applications.
• Pensions Regulations may affect pension entitlements for those receiving a pension upon commencing employment.

Interviews have been scheduled to take place on W/C 26th January 2026. Please ensure you view the job profile for this role, as you will need to demonstrate in your application how you meet the required criteria. CVs are not accepted for this role.

We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities. We’re committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know. At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We’re committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.