At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform homelessness services in Croydon, shaping strategies for prevention and accommodation.
- Company: Croydon Council, dedicated to addressing housing needs and homelessness.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in the community and develop leadership skills.
- Other info: Work collaboratively with various stakeholders and navigate financial challenges.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tackling homelessness in one of London's highest demand boroughs.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in homelessness services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to www.join-croydon.com until the closing date of Sunday 24th May.
Few roles in London local government carry the weight or the opportunity of leading homelessness in Croydon. The Head of Homelessness will be the Council’s professional lead for homelessness assessment, single homeless services, rough sleeping and statutory reviews. It is a service operating at the sharpest end of housing need, in one of the boroughs where demand is highest, and the new postholder will shape how Croydon meets that demand for years to come.
Reporting to the Director of Homelessness Prevention and Accommodation, you will hold the strategic and operational lead across the homelessness pathway from triage and prevention through to relief and accommodation. You will lead on the Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy, working to reduce TA reliance and increase positive prevention outcomes, working in partnership with voluntary sector communities and other statutory agencies.
This is a role that demands strategic clarity and operational grip in equal measure. Croydon is being honest about the financial constraints it operates within, and the successful candidate will need to develop and transform services that meet a tighter budget envelope without losing sight of the statutory duties owed to residents in crisis.
You will work closely with directors and Heads of Service across the council, with national and regional government, with the GLA, with voluntary sector partners, and increasingly with the courts and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman as the regulatory landscape continues to tighten.
We are looking for a leader who knows this territory well. You will bring substantial experience of homelessness services at a senior level, a track record of leading transformation under financial pressure, and the personal authority to represent the Council externally and hold teams to account internally. Just as importantly, you will bring the empathy and 'can do' attitude this work demands.
The post is politically restricted given the level of advice it provides to members and the public profile it carries.
For more information please click Apply to visit our website and contact our search partners Ben Parsonage ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com and Becky Downs becky.downs@gatenbysanderson.com.
Head of Homelessness employer: GatenbySanderson
Croydon Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead homelessness services in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, the Council empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on the community while navigating the challenges of financial constraints. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values empathy, innovation, and strategic leadership in addressing housing needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Homelessness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the homelessness sector, especially those connected to Croydon Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Croydon's current homelessness strategies. Show us you know your stuff and can bring fresh ideas to the table. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website at www.join-croydon.com. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Homelessness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Homelessness role. Highlight your experience in homelessness services and how it aligns with Croydon's needs. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving change. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience, especially in challenging environments. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so let that shine through!
Be Honest About Challenges:Croydon Council is upfront about financial constraints. Don’t shy away from discussing how you've navigated similar challenges in the past. We appreciate transparency and want to know how you’ve successfully transformed services under pressure.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application directly through www.join-croydon.com before the closing date. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current homelessness landscape, especially in Croydon. Familiarise yourself with local policies, recent statistics, and the challenges faced by the borough. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly under financial constraints. Highlight your ability to transform services while maintaining statutory duties. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can handle the strategic and operational demands of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in building partnerships with voluntary sector communities and other agencies. Share specific instances where collaboration led to positive outcomes, as this will illustrate your ability to work effectively in a complex environment.
✨Bring the Empathy
This position requires a 'can do' attitude and a genuine empathy for those in crisis. Be prepared to talk about why you’re passionate about homelessness services and how your personal values align with the mission of Croydon Council. Authenticity goes a long way in interviews!
