At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people leaving care with tailored housing solutions and life skills development.
- Company: Join South Tyneside Council, dedicated to empowering care leavers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people transitioning to independence.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support or social care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 33699 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Staying Close Housing Officer to be part of our Leaving Care team and South Tyneside Homes team. Following a successful focussed Ofsted visit in March 2022 to the integrated team, the inspection highlighted that workers are dedicated and committed and are clearly proud of our young people. Most young people supported by the service have long lasting, trusting relationships with PAs, and support is tailored to young people’s individual needs and wishes.
Inspectors also highlighted that there was evidence of very strong partnership working with South Tyneside Homes to deliver an improved accommodation offer for young people leaving care and moving into independence. This is an exciting time to work for South Tyneside Council where there is a real commitment and passion in delivering outstanding services to care leavers. Through a culture of innovation and DFE funding, we have been successful in securing the resources to further bolster and develop our offer to young people via an enhanced staying close model and framework.
This role would support the success of the staying close model and add unique diversity to an already well-resourced and experienced partnership between leaving care and South Tyneside Homes. The successful applicant will support practice development in the service and partnership to achieve sustainable change.
The Staying Close Housing Officer will have a key role in ensuring the effective delivery of the staying close model within South Tyneside and enable us to offer “staying close” housing options in a timely way. The post holder will have a key role with on the ground delivery in brokering effective solutions to accommodation and sustainment for those care experienced people whose accommodation plan is for or already within a South Tyneside Home provision.
Working across key partners, you will support the expanding menu of housing solutions and utilise early identification of a bespoke pathway to each person’s accommodation plan, aligned with the person’s aspirations. You will work with agencies and partners to inform a range of accommodation solutions including building upon the current trainer flat option, shared housing, and clusters.
You will promote accommodation options and stability through use of coordinated and tracked pathways for individual care experienced people. You will develop and sustain relationships with key partners, sharing thematic analysis of relevant information in which to influence the wider housing strategy. You will link with local trusts and charities to boost practical and financial support for care experienced people setting up home.
You will contribute to the development of a modular system of a life skills programme, enabling care experienced people to access and maximise advice and guidance in a way that suits them. You will provide responsive and tangible support in situations of housing crisis to avoid evictions and support planned transitions.
As we are committed to enhancing the service and offer to young people, the role will require a flexible approach to providing support to young people outside of office hours as required. We offer an excellent benefits package.
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks. We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
Closing date: Noon, Sunday 16 August 2026. Interviews will take place on Thursday 3 September 2026.
Staying Close Housing Officer in South Shields employer: South Tyneside Council
Jarrow School is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff well-being and work/life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education. Located in South Tyneside, the school fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive while contributing to the development of young people. With a strong commitment to professional growth and a culture rooted in Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility, Jarrow School offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a positive impact in the lives of students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staying Close Housing Officer in South Shields
✨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 South Tyneside Council, 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 Staying Close Housing Officer in South Shields
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 South Tyneside Council. 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 South Tyneside Council. 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 South Tyneside Council
✨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 South Tyneside Council.
✨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 Staying Close Housing Officer role at South Tyneside Council, 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 South Tyneside Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
