Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer (Early Help Team)

We are looking for a capable and ambitious individual keen to help families and individuals facing homelessness to support them in their homelessness journey and adhere to legislative guidance as well as policy and procedures. Wandsworth is changing the way it tackles homelessness. We are building an Early Help service that reaches people before they reach crisis – and we are looking for Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officers who want to be part of it.

This is frontline work that matters. You will be one of the first people a resident speaks to when they are worried about losing their home: someone served notice by a private landlord, a young person told to leave the family home, or a family fleeing abuse. Some will already be on the street; many we can help to stay where they are, or move on safely, if we act early enough. You will work proactively and creatively with each person to find a real solution – not simply process an application – while keeping them informed and having honest, sometimes difficult conversations about what is realistic.

Within the Prevention and Solutions Service you will give tailored advice and information, arrange interim accommodation where it is needed, and keep the focus firmly on our residents. You will take a holistic view, spotting the complex needs that are not always obvious and making the right referrals at the right time. Whether the outcome is helping someone stay in their current home or find a new one, your skill, persistence and good judgement will make the difference. You will thrive on partnership working and collaboration and bring real motivation to meet objectives and deliver for the people in front of you.

About the role

• Assist clients who present as homeless or threatened with homelessness, using excellent social skills to help them navigate stressful and complex challenges.
• Demonstrate a customer-centred approach and be committed to working in a joined-up way to alleviate homelessness, providing clients with relevant advice and housing options.
• Manage a caseload of homelessness presentations, act early, and aim to resolve issues before they escalate.
• Have a good understanding of homelessness legislation and be able to issue statutory homelessness decision letters in line with the relevant legislation and guidance, within appropriate timescales.
• Thrive in a busy and demanding setting.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Show exceptional ability to manage tasks effectively and maintain accurate records.
• Have experience of working with individuals who have diverse and complex needs.
• Work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating adaptability and perseverance.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Understand – or be able to quickly build an understanding of – why people become homeless, and a working knowledge of the prevention techniques and options that can help to alleviate it.
• Have an ability to interpret and explain complex legislation and guidance.
• Be able to work in a busy fast-paced environment.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have strong organisational and record keeping skills.
• Have experience of supporting people through difficult or stressful situations – in housing, social care, advice, charity or another frontline service – and an empathetic understanding of their needs.
• Be resilient and possess the ability to work as part of a team as well as individually.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026
• Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 24th August 2026
• Interview Date: TBC
• A simulated exercise will form part of the interview process.

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.