At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing homelessness by providing tailored advice and solutions.
- Company: Join Wandsworth's innovative Early Help service tackling homelessness head-on.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and understanding of homelessness legislation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 38976 - 47229 £ per year.
Salary Range: £38,976 to £47,229 per annum
Four Fixed Term - 18 Months
Fulltime - 36 hours
Location: Housing Customer Services Centre, 90 Putney Bridge Road, SW18 1HR
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
- Customer service – assist clients who present as homeless or threatened with homelessness, using excellent social skills to help them navigate stressful and complex challenges. You will 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.
- Case management – manage a caseload of homelessness presentations, act early, and aim to resolve issues before they escalate.
- Knowledge – 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.
- Fast-paced working environment – have the ability to thrive in a busy and demanding setting.
- Communication and interpersonal skills – demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
- Organisation and record keeping – show exceptional ability to manage tasks effectively and maintain accurate records.
- Experience with customers with complex needs – have experience of working with individuals who have diverse and complex needs.
- Resilience and teamwork – 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
- Test/Presentation: A simulated exercise will form part of the interview process.
Useful Information
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.
Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer (Early Help Team) in London employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that cater to the diverse needs of our employees. With a strong commitment to professional development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that our team members can thrive in their roles while contributing to the vital work of safeguarding public trust. Our generous benefits package, including 40 days of annual leave and a robust pension plan, reflects our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our staff.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer (Early Help Team) in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer (Early Help Team) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
