At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform homelessness services in Croydon, shaping strategies for prevention and accommodation.
- Company: Croydon Council, dedicated to tackling 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 addressing homelessness in one of London's highest demand areas.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in homelessness services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
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.
Head of Homelessness in London 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, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the community while navigating the challenges of financial constraints. The role of Head of Homelessness not only provides strategic leadership but also fosters partnerships with various stakeholders, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those dedicated to social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Homelessness in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the homelessness sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Croydon Council's current strategies and challenges in homelessness. We want you to show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the Head of Homelessness role and how you plan to tackle the financial constraints while still delivering top-notch services. We believe in you, so let that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply directly through www.join-croydon.com! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. We’re rooting for you, so make sure you get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Homelessness in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in homelessness services. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of Croydon Council, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about homelessness services. We’re looking for someone who can navigate financial constraints while still delivering effective solutions, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a potential Head of Homelessness, it’s crucial to showcase your leadership experience. We want to know how you’ve led teams through challenges and transformed services, so include specific instances where you’ve made a significant impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application directly through www.join-croydon.com! This ensures that your application gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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. Brush up on local policies, recent statistics, and the challenges faced by the borough. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Showcase 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 a focus on statutory duties. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the strategic aspects 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 in homelessness services.
✨Bring Your Empathy
This position requires a 'can do' attitude and empathy towards those in crisis. Prepare to talk about how you’ve approached sensitive situations in the past and how you plan to lead with compassion in this role. It’s all about showing that you care as much as you can strategise.
