At a Glance
- Tasks: Support rough sleepers in Cambridge, helping them find accommodation and resources.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, dedicated to ending rough sleeping.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41771 £ 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 & Electronics
- Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools
- Subsidy for public transport
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression
Hours: This is a full-time role, for 37 hours per week. Although the role is advertised as full time, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.
Working Pattern: The role will be based at Mandela House, Cambridge and will involve outdoor working across the year and occasional planned weekend, early morning and evening working.
Contract: Fixed Term for 12 months
Salary: £37,280 - £41,771 per annum (City Pay Band 5) pro rata for part time.
Location: This is flexible – working in Cambridge on site or at one of our offices or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly.
More Information: You can click on the links here to find out more information about Staff Pay and Benefits, Working for the Council, our Values & Behaviours, Equality & Diversity in Recruitment or Our People & Culture Strategy.
If you would like an informal chat, please contact Rachel Fairhead.
Application Process: To be considered for this role, please scroll below to ‘Apply Online’ and complete an application. There you can search for the role and download the Job Description and Person Specification which will tell you a bit more about the role. Cambridge City Council recognises the value of digital badges in evidencing skills, knowledge and competencies, and welcomes their inclusion within job applications as verifiable indicators of achievement and capability.
Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
For City Council employees who apply for the role on a secondment basis, please note that you should refer to the Secondment Policy. Please note that agreement will need to be obtained from your line manager before the secondment can be confirmed.
Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Cambourne employer: Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact 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 a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and wellbeing support. Working in the vibrant city of Cambridge, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with the community and contribute to transformative initiatives that support some of the most marginalised individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Cambourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your circle or even those you don’t know yet. Attend local events or join online groups related to public safety and homelessness support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Housing First programme and other services they offer. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role requires direct and honest communication, consider role-playing interview scenarios with a friend. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can easily track your application status and find more roles that suit your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Cambourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for helping others, especially those facing challenges like rough sleeping.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific examples that show your ability to communicate effectively and support vulnerable individuals.
Show Your Understanding:Demonstrate your knowledge of the issues surrounding rough sleeping and public safety. This shows us that you’re not just applying for any job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key issues surrounding rough sleeping in Cambridge. Familiarise yourself with the Housing First programme and the support services available. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Public Safety Officer, you'll need to communicate directly and honestly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse groups in the past, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
Be ready to discuss how you would approach individuals experiencing homelessness. Highlight your understanding of the complexities involved and your commitment to helping them find accommodation and support. This will reflect your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics or the challenges faced by the public safety team. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
