At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people to prevent homelessness and build independence.
- Company: Join Durham County Council's dedicated Children in Care and Care Leavers Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Proud equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives during a critical transition.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, driving licence, and experience with vulnerable youth.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 40000 £ per year.
Can you help shape brighter futures for care‑experienced young people? We’re looking for a passionate and motivated professional to join our Children in Care and Care Leavers Service. This unique role will let you work directly with young people leaving care to prevent homelessness at a critical stage in their lives. The post is temporary for two years with the possibility of extension.
WHAT IS INVOLVED
- Use your expertise to prevent homelessness before a crisis point
- Support young people to navigate housing pathways and access suitable accommodation
- Develop personalised housing plans that build independence
- Work closely with housing teams, providers and partner agencies to achieve the best outcomes for young people
- Act as an advocate for young people
- Provide expert advice on housing and homelessness to other professionals and to young people
WHAT WILL I NEED
- NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject (or equivalent), a current driving licence and access to a car
- Experience working with care‑experienced young people or vulnerable adolescents
- Experience working in a housing or homelessness service
- Experience of partnership and multi‑agency working
- Experience of managing risk and proactively preventing crisis
Please refer to the person specification for the full criteria.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING
Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; therefore, a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure, including a check of the Children’s Barred List, will be required.
SHORTLISTING
Shortlisting may take up to a week after the closing date due to the expected volume of high‑quality applications.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held during the week commencing 24 July 2026 at Spennymoor Council Offices, DL16 1JQ.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes an attractive salary, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (increasing to 32 days after five years of continuous local government service), entrance to the Local Government Pension Scheme and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working where applicable.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal‑opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals. As a Disability Confident Leader we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the Person Specification section of the form to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact Emma Atkinson, Service Manager, at emma.atkinson3@durham.gov.uk.
Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to shaping brighter futures for care-experienced young people. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, we offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist
✨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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist
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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist role at Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
