At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice and support to Care Leavers at risk of rough sleeping.
- Company: Devon County Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fixed Term 12 Months INTERNAL ONLY (Devon County Council Employees Only)
Location: County wide post mainly based in Exeter
Care Leavers at risk of rough sleeping
About the Role
The purpose of a Housing Advisor is to give comprehensive and realistic housing advice and support to Care Leavers who are rough sleeping or at high risk of rough sleeping. Through building professional relationships with permanence and transition teams and District Councils across Devon, the role will ensure that comprehensive advice and support is available to vulnerable Care Leavers, either through direct work or advising Personal Advisors, Homelessness Prevention workers and others about available services. The post holder will take a person-centred approach to engage Care Leavers with complex behavioural and emotional needs in the homelessness prevention pathway. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team engaging young people, families/carers and partner agencies in early intervention solutions to prevent rough sleeping.
Responsibilities
- Reduced numbers of Care Leavers at risk of/identified as being homeless/rough sleeping;
- Care Leavers are supported and encouraged to make informed choices which enable them to attain and sustain suitable accommodation and which prevents or reduces their risk of becoming homeless or sleeping rough;
- Learning from the project is embedded in current and future practice.
- Personal Advisors (PAs) have the information, tools and skills to identify Care Leavers at risk of rough sleeping and to deliver or access housing related support to enable them to find and sustain appropriate accommodation and to prevent future homelessness;
- Housing providers, partner agencies and stakeholders are engaged to ensure services are the best they can be for the most vulnerable Care Leavers.
What we can offer you
- Generous annual leave, and the ability to purchase additional annual leave.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Dedicated support with regular supervision from line management so you can critically reflect on your practice on a regular basis.
- Free on-site parking available.
- Access to our confidential Devon Wellbeing Hub and Employee Assistance Programme to support you to balance the demands of everyday life – available 24/7.
- Flexible working opportunities, including flexitime and a degree of remote working (subject to the needs of the role – please discuss at interview).
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Links to staff networks and forums such as our LGBTQ+ BAME and Staff Diversity support networks.
- Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Applications close on Tuesday 14th July 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note
If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Additional Information
DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
For any queries or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Alex Humphries on 01392 388432.
Housing Advisor employer: Devon County Council
Devon County Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their teaching career in North Devon. With a strong commitment to employee development, the role of Cover Supervisor offers valuable training opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on students' lives in a supportive and engaging work culture. Enjoy the benefits of working in a community-focused environment that values education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Advisor
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Devon County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Devon County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Devon County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Devon County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Housing Advisor role at Devon County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Devon County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
