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 in our 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 supporting 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 Suffolk 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 professional growth through extensive learning and development opportunities, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous leave policies and flexible working options. Joining our public safety team means engaging in meaningful work that not only impacts the lives of the most vulnerable but also offers a rewarding career path in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Suffolk
✨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 sensitive topics and providing support.
✨Tip Number 4
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 positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Safety Officer - Fixed Term - Cambridge in Suffolk
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 of how you've supported vulnerable individuals or dealt with challenging situations.
Show Your Understanding:Demonstrate your knowledge of the issues surrounding rough sleeping and public safety. We appreciate candidates who can articulate the complexities of these challenges and propose thoughtful solutions.
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 in our community.
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.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires direct and honest communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations. Think about times when you've had to advise or support individuals in need, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
This position is all about helping some of the city’s most marginalised people. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the causes of rough sleeping and how you would approach supporting individuals who are struggling. Show that you can balance firmness with compassion.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values and career goals.
