At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of homelessness prevention and improve lives in Stockton-on-Tees.
- Company: Join a supportive council dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by developing innovative solutions for vulnerable residents.
- Qualifications: Experience in service development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
Could you help shape the future of homelessness prevention and make a lasting difference to the lives of residents across Stockton-on-Tees? Our Homelessness Service is committed to preventing homelessness wherever possible, reducing rough sleeping and ensuring people receive the right support at the right time. Working closely with statutory partners, the voluntary and community sector, commissioners and people with lived experience, we are developing innovative, prevention-focused approaches that improve outcomes for some of the borough's most vulnerable residents. This is an exciting time to join the team as we drive forward the Stockton-on-Tees Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy and contribute to the national ambition to end homelessness.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic development, lead service improvement activity and help translate national policy into effective local solutions. You will work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the system to ensure services remain responsive, evidence-based and focused on delivering positive outcomes for residents. Whether you are supporting or leading improvement projects, analysing performance data, redesigning pathways or developing innovative prevention initiatives, you will play a key role in helping us create lasting change. This is a fixed term role expected to last until October 2028.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about preventing homelessness and improving services: Committed to delivering better outcomes for residents, identifying opportunities to strengthen homelessness prevention, early intervention and rough sleeping services.
- Strategic and data-driven: Able to analyse information, identify trends and use evidence to influence decision-making and service improvement.
- A strong partnership builder: An excellent communicator who can work collaboratively with colleagues, commissioners, voluntary sector organisations and people with lived experience.
- Innovative and outcome-focused: Proactive in developing new approaches, leading improvement projects and translating national policy into effective local delivery.
In this role you will:
- Lead and support the development of homelessness prevention services across Stockton-on-Tees, helping to translate national policy into local action.
- Work closely with internal teams, partner organisations and people with lived experience.
- Drive service improvement.
- Develop innovative approaches to prevention.
- Ensure our services remain responsive, effective and focused on achieving positive outcomes for residents.
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing law and the national homelessness policy agenda.
- Experience of service development, service improvement, policy development or programme delivery.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data and performance information.
- The ability to influence, negotiate and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A proactive and solution-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver projects independently and as part of a team.
- A commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred practice and ensuring the voices of people with lived experience shape service design and improvement activity.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council prides itself on being a great place to work where staff are trusted, valued and supported to make a positive contribution at work. We offer an excellent total reward package, including:
- A competitive salary of up to £40,777
- 27 days annual leave per year rising to 32 with 5 years service (plus bank holidays). Ability to purchase additional leave is also available.
- Generous Pension Scheme through the LGPS with ability to pay extra and plan for retirement.
- Access to a number of other employee benefits including learning & development opportunities, a car lease scheme, discounts at high street and online retailers, access to online GP appointments, an employee assistance programme and physiotherapy services.
If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Julie Lathan, Service Lead, on 01642 528670 or Julie.Lathan@stockton.gov.uk. We are intending to interview on 9 September 2026 and you will receive notification through North East Jobs if you have been shortlisted. We anticipate a high level of interest in this role and may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date, therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please note that we’re unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so candidates will need to have an existing right to work in the UK.
Service Development Officer employer: North East Combined Authority
Northern Education Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life chances of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career progression across our family of schools. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like free flu vaccinations and onsite parking, makes Hetton Academy a rewarding place to work for those passionate about student wellbeing.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Development Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to North East Combined Authority, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of North East Combined Authority. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at North East Combined Authority. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Combined Authority
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with North East Combined Authority.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Service Development Officer role at North East Combined Authority, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show North East Combined Authority that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
