At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform homelessness services to change lives in the community.
- Company: Hillingdon Council, committed to impactful housing services.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous holidays, mental health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while reshaping essential services.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in homelessness or housing services required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
About the role
Lead with purpose. Transform services. Change lives. Hillingdon Council is seeking an outstanding Head of Homelessness Services to lead one of our most complex and high-impact frontline services. This is a pivotal leadership role at the centre of the housing system, managing demand, driving prevention and delivering outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness. You will lead a large operational service, improve performance and play a key role in delivering our Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and strengthening the overall homelessness system. We are modernising our services, strengthening governance and reshaping how we respond to demand. This is your opportunity to lead at scale, drive transformation and deliver meaningful change for residents and communities.
As Head of Homelessness Services, you will lead the service end-to-end, spanning prevention, assessments, casework, pathways and move-on services, ensuring a high-performing, accountable and resident-focused service.
- Lead homelessness prevention and relief activity across the borough
- Drive service transformation, performance improvement and operational delivery
- Reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and improve resident outcomes
- Lead large operational teams within a fast-paced and complex environment
- Oversee governance, compliance, safeguarding and service quality
- Manage budgets, demand pressures and delivery against MTFS objectives
- Strengthen partnership working and improve pathways across the wider housing system
- Embed a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and resident-focused practice
This is a senior leadership role requiring strong operational grip, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver results within a demanding frontline environment.
About You
We are looking for a confident and credible leader with:
- Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness or housing services
- A proven track record of driving service improvement, transformation and performance
- Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, governance and safeguarding responsibilities
- Experience managing operational demand, financial pressures and organisational risk
- The ability to lead large teams and influence effectively across systems and partnerships
- Strong communication, leadership and decision-making skills
We want leaders who:
- Take ownership and act decisively
- Thrive within complex and high-pressure environments
- Lead with purpose and deliver measurable outcomes
- Are passionate about improving services for residents
What You Can Expect
- A senior leadership role with real impact across the borough
- The opportunity to reshape and modernise homelessness services
- A key role in delivering transformation and MTFS objectives
- Strong corporate support and collaborative leadership
- Flexible working arrangements and development opportunities
Why Hillingdon
Hillingdon is a well-led and ambitious council committed to investing in housing services and leadership to deliver better outcomes for residents.
About us
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
- Flexible Working Hours
- 36 Hour Week
- Generous Holiday Entitlement
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes
- Cycle to Work
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Perkbox Benefits
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services
- Travel Support
- Trade Union Membership
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Enhanced DBS Check
- 2 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
Head of Homelessness Services in London employer: Hillingdon Council
Hillingdon Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to mental health support, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in reshaping homelessness services and enjoy a fulfilling career with strong corporate backing and opportunities for transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Homelessness Services in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hillingdon Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hillingdon Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hillingdon Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hillingdon Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Homelessness Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hillingdon Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hillingdon Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hillingdon Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
