At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate housing solutions for prison leavers and improve outcomes through strategic partnerships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Civil Service focused on social impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals transitioning from prison to society.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or criminal justice sectors is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38141 - 46617 £ per year.
This vacancy is only available to existing Civil Servant employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs). Please review the "Eligibility" section before you apply.
General Information
- Salary: £41,197 - £45,316
- Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
- Location: Wakefield, York
- Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
- Closing Date: 01-Oct-2026
- Business Unit: Askham Grange, New Hall
- Post Type: Loan
- Civil Service Grade: HEO
- Number of jobs available: 1
- Reserve List: 12 Months
- Job ID: 22023
All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The post holder must undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
Overview of the job: This is a permanent, non-operational role with no prisoner case-level responsibilities. The role will sit within Prison Group Director (PGD) management structures, however, a heavy focus on and presence in establishments will be required with the expectation that post holders will travel as and when required. There are no line management responsibilities as part of this role, and we do not expect the post holder to have operational experience, although this may be advantageous when working within the establishment.
Summary: The post holder could be responsible for several prisons, splitting their time flexibly between the prisons in their portfolio. Prisons that release low numbers to the UK will fall under the ‘consultancy’ category; for these, post holders will be expected to offer ad-hoc housing advice, but these prisons will not form part of their cluster. The post holder will identify areas for improvement with respect to access to accommodation for prison leavers and will work in partnership with key strategic housing stakeholders, probation commissioned rehabilitative services (CRS), and Homelessness Prevention Teams (HPTs) to implement sustainable change.
Responsibilities, Activities and Duties:
- The Strategic Housing Specialist will be responsible for co-ordinating the strategic response of a cluster of prisons to improve housing outcomes for prison leavers and people in prison. They shall strengthen and support partnership working between the prison, all relevant housing stakeholders and other key resettlement agencies.
- They will champion delivery of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) and Duty to Refer (DtR), Offender Pathway (Wales) within the prison(s).
- Promote the work of the Accommodation Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS) within the prison and support these services by representing the prison on any joint engagement with external partners.
- Support and upskill staff across the agency to ensure accommodation needs are identified and addressed appropriately.
- Promote work within the prison to help prepare prison leavers to sustain accommodation in the community.
- Support prisons, PGDs, and relevant partner agencies to improve the quality and use of data where it relates to prisoners and housing outcomes.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Behaviours:
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
Experience: The Candidate is required to have some experience of supporting delivery of the Homelessness Reduction Act, such as:
- Worked within the field of housing and/or homelessness.
- Worked with prisoners or those engaged in the criminal justice system.
- History of developing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Additional Information: Applications are invited for a Band 6 Strategic Specialist working at HMP/YOI Newhall and HMP/YOI Askham Grange on a 12 month Fixed Term Secondment.
Working Arrangements & Further Information: The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week excluding breaks which are unpaid. HMPPS welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns.
Benefits: Annual Leave, Pension, Work Life Balance, Childcare Vouchers, Training opportunities.
Eligibility: All candidates are subject to security and identity checks prior to taking up post.
Contact Information: If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm).
22023 - Strategic Housing Specialist - Fix term secondment in York employer: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through education and vocational training. With a strong emphasis on supportive relationships and personal development, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises safety and security while offering opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact in the community. Working in this role not only allows you to make a difference but also provides a unique chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and resettlement of individuals in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 22023 - Strategic Housing Specialist - Fix term secondment in York
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We think you need these skills to ace 22023 - Strategic Housing Specialist - Fix term secondment in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Ministry of Justice, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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