Housing Advisor – Rough Sleepers

Starting salary £42,912 per annum incl LW. One-year fixed term contract or secondment opportunity. Hybrid working.

About Us

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth.’ To deliver on these ambitions, we have embarked on our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose,’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff; Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability.

About the Borough

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.

About the Team

The Homelessness Prevention Service is the Council’s frontline response to alleviating homelessness in the borough. This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably motivated and skilled individual to join the team working to reform the response to homelessness. The team manages a varied case load in a busy and often challenging environment and prevents or relieves homelessness through the provision of advice, advocacy, negotiation, and mediation. Our proactive housing options approach prevents homelessness by finding real solutions for people in housing difficulties. The postholder will work closely with the Supported Housing Commissioning Team.

About the Role

The postholder will work closely with the Supported Housing Commissioning Team, especially the Rough Sleeping co‑ordinator, to identify rough sleepers in need of a housing assessment and locations where those assessments might take place if not at the council premises. This is likely to be a variety of locations such as day centres, supported housing schemes or short‑term emergency hotel accommodation. The post forms part of the Council’s approach to reducing homelessness in the borough. Your role will be to prevent and relieve homelessness for those who are rough sleeping in accordance with the provisions of the Homelessness Reduction Act, associated Code of Guidance, case law, and best practice. You will be responsible for carrying out in‑depth interviews with the aim of relieving homelessness for those who are rough sleeping. You will advise customers of the housing options available to them and complete Personal Housing Plans. You will also investigate complex housing situations and issue decisions in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Although not essential, experience of working with rough sleepers would be desirable. We welcome applications from recent graduates and those that have transferable skills and the ability to develop any gaps in knowledge. On-the-job training will be provided to all successful applicants.

To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence:

• Awareness of legislation relating to housing advice, homelessness, housing management and the allocation of housing, with a good practical understanding of the range of housing problems people may experience.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the housing and support needs of homeless and housing applicants and tenants.
• Experience of providing quality advice and information to members of the public and of handling complaints and enquiries.
• Excellent knowledge of negotiation and mediation techniques and their practical application.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion please contact Kieron Robinson – krobinson@lambeth.gov.uk

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this opportunity, click on the apply button and complete an online application. In your supporting statement, please clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an 'A' at shortlist stage. We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.

Recruitment Timelines

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

Benefits

We believe in rewarding our staff. When you join us, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits, including:

• Participation in our 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi‑Ethnic, LGBTQ+, Disability, Young Professionals, and Women’s.
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 27 days, increasing to up to 35 days depending on length of service.
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid Working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
• Discounts at local restaurants.
• Discount at our Active Lambeth Gyms.
• Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Secure Bike Storage facilities at our Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Trade Union Membership.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.