At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform housing solutions to prevent homelessness and support residents.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to improving housing outcomes for the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and community support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing services and help vulnerable residents find homes.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in housing, with expert knowledge of homelessness legislation.
The predicted salary is between 75312 - 87033 £ per year.
The Housing Solutions Service sits within the Place Directorate and plays a critical role in delivering Thurrock Council’s housing and homelessness responsibilities. The service is focused on preventing and relieving homelessness, supporting residents to access suitable accommodation, managing temporary accommodation, and delivering housing allocations and housing register services.
As part of our wider ambition to improve outcomes for residents, the service is undergoing significant transformation to ensure it is innovative, customer-focused, financially sustainable and compliant with legislative requirements.
As the Head of Housing Solutions, you will be responsible for:
- Providing strategic leadership and management of Thurrock Council’s Housing Solutions Service.
- Leading homelessness prevention and relief services, housing allocations, the housing register and temporary accommodation functions.
- Driving service transformation, continuous improvement and innovation to deliver excellent resident outcomes.
- Managing temporary accommodation demand, supply and expenditure, reducing reliance on high-cost accommodation and improving move-on opportunities for residents.
- Ensuring robust governance, performance management and compliance with homelessness and housing legislation.
- Developing strong partnerships with Registered Providers, landlords, health partners and other key stakeholders to maximise housing opportunities.
This role offers the chance to make a real difference by leading one of the Council's most important frontline services, helping vulnerable residents access housing, preventing homelessness and shaping the future delivery of housing services across Thurrock.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Significant senior leadership experience within a housing and homelessness environment.
- Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing policy and regulatory frameworks.
- A proven track record of leading service transformation, managing change and delivering improved performance.
- Experience of managing large, complex budgets and delivering financial sustainability.
- Strong partnership-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organisations and sectors.
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams within a complex public sector environment.
Essential Qualifications:
- Qualified homelessness practitioner with at least five years' relevant experience.
- Evidence of leadership and management development through training, personal development or a relevant qualification.
DBS Check: No DBS check is required for this post. Standard recruitment process applies.
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Anthony Fletcher – Director of Place Delivery and Service Implementation AFletcher@thurrock.gov.uk
Head of Housing Solutions in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Thurrock Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact local governance and community development. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive support in your role as a Political Assistant, fostering both professional and personal development. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Housing Solutions in Grays
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Thurrock Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Thurrock Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Housing Solutions in Grays
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.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Thurrock Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Thurrock Council, 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.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Thurrock Council.
