At a Glance
- Tasks: Support homeless prevention and rehousing efforts in a vibrant city.
- Company: Join Bristol City Council, a supportive and dynamic workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous leave, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, analytical skills, and knowledge of housing legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 39862 - 41771 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job reference: VAC008563
Date posted: 17/07/2026
Application closing date: 30/07/2026
Location: 100 Temple Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6AN
Salary: BG11: £39,862 - £41,771
Package: Flexible Working Hours, Pension Scheme, Paid Expenses
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Housing
Full Time, Fixed Term until 11/05/2027
The Specialist Advisor is an expert in the field of homelessness and rehousing. The role works on both areas of homeless prevention and our MyBristolHousing allocations team. Demand for social housing in Bristol is very high; we live in a vibrant and diverse City, however our Citizens face huge housing and social barriers. As part of the wider Housing Options Team, you will help form our response to these challenges.
In this position you will be responsible for decision-making on statutory reviews under homelessness and rehousing legislation. You must have excellent communication skills and the ability to analyse complex information, interpret and apply legislation and make changes to policies and procedures as appropriate. You must have a strong commitment to meeting the needs of households in housing need and have a strong understanding and knowledge of both homelessness and rehousing legislation.
You will be responsible for identifying areas and implementing areas of service improvement across the service to ensure that citizens applying for housing are receiving a high quality and equitable service. You will need to have strong presentation and training skills as training new staff on case management systems and allocation policy forms part of this role. You will also be responsible for presenting any relevant information to partners and external organisations.
You will need to have strong IT skills as part of this role will involve assisting as we transition to a new case management system. You will also need to have excellent numerical skills as part of the role will be analysing data and trends. You must be highly motivated, able to work with limited supervision and be able to recommend and implement change in order to improve service delivery.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Why Bristol City Council? At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.
Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.
For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment. For employees who are currently on a fixed term contract with Bristol City Council, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to. If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.
We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career. We are disability confident and are committed to diversity.
If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact: Simon Blakemore - simon.blakemore@bristol.gov.uk, Emma Gage - emma.gage@bristol.gov.uk
Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.
The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.
Specialist Advisor in Bristol employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Trauma-Informed Recovery Navigator, you will benefit from flexible working hours and generous leave allowances, allowing you to balance your personal and professional life while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in a role that not only fosters collaboration with various services but also empowers you to contribute to the recovery journey of individuals facing complex challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Advisor in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bristol City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bristol City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bristol City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bristol City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Advisor in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bristol City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bristol City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
