At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals to secure and maintain their own homes.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, local government pension, flexible working, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Agile working environment with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that tackles homelessness and supports those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or care roles, with relevant qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 38220 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.
We currently have an opportunity to join East Suffolk Council's Housing Needs Team as a Housing First Officer.
The role:
You will be responsible for providing a flexible, open-ended package of support, advice and assistance to people who are entrenched rough sleepers or are at risk of repeat homelessness. The support you offer will enable someone to access and maintain a safe and secure home of their own, in line with Housing First principles. You will be responsible for supporting individuals to be accommodated in their own accommodation under the Housing First Scheme and throughout their housing pathway. You will lead on a multi-agency support approach, working closely with a variety of agencies such as drug and alcohol, and mental health services to ensure appropriate support for individuals who have complex needs. The successful candidate will be able to promote a customer-centred approach and work with vulnerable customers, their advocates, family, and support networks to ensure that homelessness is prevented and work towards reducing rough sleeping and ending cycles of homelessness in East Suffolk.
What you will need:
The ideal candidate will have previous experience of working within a similar role and have a relevant qualification in the sector. They will have relevant or transferable skills and the ability to provide housing advice and assistance to our customers. The postholder will hold at least 3 GCSEs (C grade and above), a relevant Housing Qualification (CIH Level 3) and/or have a proven track record of working in housing or care and support roles.
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services
The majority of our teams are working in an agile way, with a mixture of home and office working, depending on individual preferences and service requirements. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements if you were the successful candidate, please contact the recruiting manager listed at the bottom of this advert.
To find out more:
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Lisa Johnson on 01502 523133, or by emailing Lisa.Johnson@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 12 June 2026 at 09.00am
Interview date: w/c 22 June 2026
How to apply:
Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification.
Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template. Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
Housing First Officer in Woodbridge employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
East Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of over a quarter of a million residents. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on employee development, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises wellbeing and professional growth. Join us in our mission to provide vital services and support to vulnerable individuals in our community, all while enjoying a range of benefits and a collaborative team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing First Officer in Woodbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Housing First principles inside out! When you’re chatting with potential employers, show them you understand how to support those at risk of homelessness. It’s all about demonstrating your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with agencies that work with vulnerable individuals. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to housing needs and support services. Think about real-life scenarios where you’ve made an impact, and be ready to share those stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining East Suffolk Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing First Officer in Woodbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help us understand what we're looking for and how you can showcase your relevant experience.
Use the Supporting Statement Template:Make sure to fill out the Supporting Statement template provided in the application process. This is your chance to directly address how you meet each criterion, so don’t skip it! We want to see how you fit into our team.
Be Genuine and Personal:When writing your application, let your personality shine through. We appreciate authenticity, so share your passion for helping others and your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Housing First principles and how they apply to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness. Brush up on your knowledge about local services and agencies that work with vulnerable populations, as this will show your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to provide housing advice and support. Think about situations where you've successfully helped someone navigate their housing needs or worked collaboratively with other agencies.
✨Emphasise a Customer-Centred Approach
During the interview, highlight your skills in promoting a customer-centred approach. Discuss how you’ve engaged with vulnerable customers and their support networks, and be ready to share strategies you’ve used to ensure their needs are met effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, challenges faced by the Housing Needs Team, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
