Homeless Prevention Team Manager in Wick

You will be responsible for the management and development of the homeless prevention and housing advice service, ensuring the council adheres to relevant legislative requirements and safeguards vulnerable homeless households including rough sleepers. Our team is responsible for leading a team of professionals who work closely with customers to proactively prevent and alleviate homelessness.

Through early intervention and advice, you will meet the requirements of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and relevant case law to prevent homelessness wherever possible and provide accommodation for the most vulnerable customers.

You will:

• Ensure statutory duties are met and relevant legislation is complied with.
• Work closely with partners from other agencies to support homeless individuals and families to prioritise and meet community needs.
• Ensure high standards of recognised professional practice are delivered in alignment with the council's Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeper Strategy.
• Investigate complaints and disciplinary allegations as required, ensuring appropriate senior managers are kept informed.
• Manage delegated budget and additional grant funding within agreed financial limits, authorising, monitoring and controlling expenditure of the team budget.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with other professionals and agencies to ensure compliance with statutory time scales.
• Develop joint initiatives and contracts to meet service user needs, including leading on rough sleeper initiatives and funding bids.
• Monitor contacts and outcomes for commissioned services.
• Deputise for the Head of Housing for high-level meetings including scrutiny panel, Executive Member briefings and Full Council.

Essential criteria:

• Approved professional qualification relevant to area of work (for example, Chartered Institute of Housing).
• Significant experience in relevant work area to give knowledge and understanding equivalent to an advanced qualification in the service area.
• In-depth knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Housing Act 1996.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles.
• Proven working experience as a manager.
• People management including experience of HR processes.
• Experience of producing and analysing reports using Microsoft suite and internal IT systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of budgets.
• Ability to lead and manage staff through significant change, motivate staff, and supervise/appraise.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to establish positive stakeholder relations that generate confidence, respect, and trust.
• Excellent communication skills in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel.

Desirable Criteria:

• Working knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Children Act 1989, Equalities Act 2010, and Immigration Act 2002.
• Approved management qualification.
• Experience using Housing Jigsaw IT system.

To apply visit: https://jobs.n-somerset.gov.uk/. Submit your application form by 11.59pm on Friday 29 May 2026. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

For further information about the role, contact Sarah Stillwell, Head of Housing: or 07469 406 093.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.