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.
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.
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 Essex employer: Cambridge City Council
At Cambridge City Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to making a real difference in our community. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering extensive learning opportunities and flexible working arrangements. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a focus on meaningful work, joining our team as a Public Safety Officer means contributing to impactful initiatives while enjoying generous benefits and recognition for your efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the public safety sector, especially those connected to Cambridge City Council. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's initiatives on rough sleeping. Show us you understand the challenges and solutions in the community, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to 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 sensitive topics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Essex
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 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 your 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, give examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. We love seeing how you can connect with people from all walks of life.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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, so you can discuss how you would contribute to these initiatives.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
This role requires a high level of tact and judgement. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with vulnerable individuals or resolved conflicts. Highlight your ability to listen and provide support to those in need.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Be ready to discuss how street-based anti-social behaviour affects local businesses and residents. Think about ways you could promote better public understanding of rough sleeping and the support options available, showing that you’re proactive about community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Persistence and Problem-Solving
The role demands firmness and persistence. Prepare to share instances where you’ve tackled difficult situations or helped someone overcome obstacles. This will show your potential employer that you have the resilience needed for this demanding position.
