At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals leaving custody with sustainable accommodation solutions.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on homelessness prevention and public protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and measurable outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of ex-offenders and contribute to community safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness prevention and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42771 - 45750 € per year.
This is a specialist frontline role within the Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service, focusing on supporting individuals leaving custody or at risk of homelessness due to offending histories, ensuring safe, lawful and sustainable accommodation pathways.
Job Summary
This role is not a generic assessment position. It requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to work to externally monitored performance targets set by MHCLG. The post holder will join the Specialist Pathways Team and contribute to the Accommodation for Ex‑Offenders (AfEO) programme, operating at the intersection of homelessness prevention, public protection, and re‑offending reduction.
Responsibilities
- Take and assess homelessness applications in line with the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
- Manage complex single applicants with offending histories, including high‑risk and MAPPA cases.
- Lead pre‑release accommodation planning with prisons and Probation.
- Build and maintain working relationships with estate agents, landlords and supported accommodation providers.
- Identify financially viable placements within Local Housing Allowance thresholds.
- Develop legally robust Personalised Housing Plans and statutory decision letters.
- Attend MAPPA meetings to manage safeguarding and public protection risks.
- Deliver against weekly and monthly performance targets set under MHCLG AfEO funding requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
- Working within a homelessness prevention and assessment service post‑HRA 2017.
- Applying housing legislation confidently and producing legally sound s184 decisions.
- Securing accommodation within the private rented sector.
- Working with supported accommodation providers to manage risk.
- Managing complex single homelessness cases, including offending history and high support needs.
- Working in multi‑agency environments including Probation.
- Operating within a target‑driven environment and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Producing high‑quality written communications to a corporate standard.
Legal and EEO Statements
We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti‑racist environment for all. Applications are assessed on merit, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Applicants who will be appointed to a role involving children, young people or vulnerable adults may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Closing date: 26/05/2026
Specialist Housing Advisor (AfEO) – Accommodation for Ex-Offenders employer: London Borough of Newham
As a Specialist Housing Advisor within our Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of individuals at risk of homelessness. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring that you are supported in achieving your targets. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive salaries and a rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact public protection and re-offending reduction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Housing Advisor (AfEO) – Accommodation for Ex-Offenders
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and homelessness sector, especially those who work with ex-offenders. Attend events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your negotiation skills! In interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations or secured housing for individuals with challenging backgrounds. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for performance targets! Familiarise yourself with the key metrics used in the sector, especially those set by MHCLG. Being able to discuss how you’ve met or exceeded targets in previous roles will give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Housing Advisor (AfEO) – Accommodation for Ex-Offenders
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the ins and outs of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. We want to see that you can confidently apply this knowledge in your application.
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your negotiation skills and experience managing complex cases. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to work under pressure and meet performance targets, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make it specific to the Specialist Housing Advisor role. Use the job description as a guide to showcase how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Newham
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to confidently discuss these laws will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Specialist Housing Advisor.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated in past roles. This could involve securing accommodation or working with landlords. Highlighting your ability to navigate complex situations will demonstrate your fit for this role.
✨Understand Performance Targets
Familiarise yourself with what performance targets look like in similar roles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve met or exceeded targets in the past, as this position requires delivering measurable outcomes under MHCLG funding requirements.
✨Build Rapport with Multi-Agency Teams
Think about your experiences working in multi-agency environments, especially with Probation services. Be prepared to share how you’ve built relationships and collaborated effectively, as this is key to managing complex cases in this role.
