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.
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 & 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Histon 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, staff have the unique opportunity to engage directly with the community, fostering positive change while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Histon
✨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 community meetings related to public safety and homelessness. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s initiatives on rough sleeping. Show us that you’re passionate about making a difference in the community. Bring real-life examples of how you’ve handled tough situations with tact and judgement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your application after a week or so. A quick email or call can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to find more roles that suit your skills. We regularly update listings, and applying through us can give you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Histon
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 in need. Don't be afraid to share your experiences that relate to the role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges of rough sleeping and can communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Experience:If you've got experience working with vulnerable populations or in public safety, make it front and centre in your application. We want to know how you’ve made a difference in similar roles and how you can bring that to our team.
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy to find the role and submit your application. Make sure to read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully to ensure you’re hitting all the right notes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Public Safety Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives, such as supporting rough sleepers and liaising with local businesses. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires direct and honest communication, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups. Highlight how you’ve handled sensitive situations, especially when advising those in need or dealing with anti-social behaviour.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This position is all about helping some of the city’s most marginalised individuals. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the challenges faced by rough sleepers and how you can contribute to their journey off the streets. Showing empathy will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support systems in place for staff, and how success is measured in this role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within the organisation.
