At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rough sleepers in Cambridge, helping them access accommodation and support services.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, dedicated to ending rough sleeping and supporting the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a compassionate approach to support vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Cambridge City Council we are committed to doing all we can to end rough sleeping in our city. Over the past several years we have made a huge investment in services for rough sleepers. We have created dozens of new units of accommodation; introduced an innovative Housing First programme and have employed several additional support workers to help people to get off and stay off the street. But while we are pleased with these successes, we need to do more to help people who, for a variety of reasons, remain a presence on the streets, and in particular a presence in the city centre. Supporting these people to leave the streets behind for good is the key objective of this new role.
About You: With an ability to communicate in a direct and honest way, the post-holder will focus on those with a persistent street presence and those newly-arrived on the streets of Cambridge, advising and assisting them to take up accommodation and support opportunities. The post-holder will also support and advise local businesses and members of the public who are negatively affected by street-based anti-social behaviour, along with promoting better public understanding of the causes of rough sleeping and the range of support and accommodation options available. Based within the Council’s public safety team, the post-holder will work under the direction of the Senior Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, liaising closely with the Homelessness Prevention Solutions Manager, the police, and local contracted and voluntary agencies responsible for the welfare of rough sleepers and people with a street background. The role will be a demanding one requiring a high level of tact, judgement, firmness and persistence, but will return a high level of job satisfaction through helping some of the City’s most marginalised people to leave the streets behind.
Why join us? As well as being part of a supportive team delivering meaningful work that directly impacts our communities, we offer a supportive and rewarding working environment along with a wide range of benefits, including:
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme
- Agile and Flexible working options
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave
- Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home
Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Bedford employer: Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible difference in the community, particularly through its commitment to ending rough sleeping. Employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, flexible working options, and generous leave policies, all while engaging in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of some of the city's most vulnerable residents. With access to comprehensive wellbeing support and recognition programmes, joining our public safety team means being part of a rewarding journey towards positive change in Cambridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the public safety sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Cambridge City Council's initiatives on rough sleeping. Show us that you understand the challenges and are passionate about making a difference. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Public Safety Officer, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence in addressing tough conversations with both the public and those experiencing homelessness.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for helping those in need, so don’t hold back on sharing your experiences and motivations.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Public Safety Officer. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission to support rough sleepers and engage with the community.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires direct and honest communication, demonstrate your ability to convey messages clearly in your application. Use examples that showcase your tact and judgement when dealing with sensitive situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Public Safety Officer and the specific challenges faced by rough sleepers in Cambridge. Familiarise yourself with the Housing First programme and local support services, as this will show your commitment to the cause and your readiness to engage with the community.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires direct and honest communication, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with vulnerable individuals or managed difficult conversations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and judgement.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Research the impact of street-based anti-social behaviour on local businesses and residents. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these issues and promote better public understanding, showing that you can balance the needs of both the community and those experiencing homelessness.
✨Demonstrate Your Persistence
This role demands firmness and persistence, so come prepared with stories that highlight your determination in overcoming obstacles. Whether it’s a challenging project or a difficult client, share how you stayed committed to achieving positive outcomes, which aligns perfectly with the objectives of this position.
