At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care-experienced young people to prevent homelessness and develop personalised housing plans.
- Company: Join Durham County Council's Children in Care and Care Leavers Service, dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, increasing to 32 after five years, plus access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: This temporary role lasts for two years with potential for extension.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on young people's lives during a critical transition period.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in a relevant subject and experience with care-experienced young people required.
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 in Spennymoor employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Durham County Council offers a competitive rewards package and values equality and diversity. Located in Spennymoor, the team is committed to safeguarding children and young people.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
