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- Tasks: Support prison leavers at risk of homelessness through effective interventions and partnerships.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council, dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, ongoing training, and discounts on transport and leisure activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualifications or significant relevant experience in homelessness and criminal justice.
- Other info: This is a temporary role until March 2026, with flexible working across various sites.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Homeless Prevention Officer to join our very busy team to deliver homeless prevention and recovery interventions for those within the criminal justice system who are at risk of rough sleeping, with a focus on prison leavers. The role is a temporary post until 31st March 2026. Therole requires effective multi agency partnership working between the Wakefield Council’s Housing Needs Service and Wakefield Probation Service. You will be required to work flexibility to work from a range of different partnership sites including the Homeless Service, Probation Service and Prisons. You must have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively at all levels & personal resilience to working with challenging people.
What will be expected from me?
You will be required to provide prison in-reach and provide support, advice and assistance to those that will be homeless upon release from prison.
You will be required to work with the Rough Sleeper Support Service and accommodation providers to prevent rough sleeping for those being released from prison and former rough sleepers who have previously been in prison, from returning to the streets through a range of prevention and recovery interventions.
What I might be doing?
- To interview homeless applicants and gather relevant information regarding their homelessness
- To ensure that all homeless offenders leaving prison have had their circumstances fully assessed
- To make relevant third-party enquiries and obtain information to help establish details of the case.
- To manage a case load ensuring that appropriate work is undertaken to prevent homelessness and the need for emergency/temporary accommodation wherever possible.
- To provide homeless applicants with a full appraisal of their situation providing realistic and assertive but sensitive housing options advice.
Essential requirements:
- Level 3 qualifications (National Qualifications Framework in the UK) or able to demonstrate significant relevant experience.
- Good knowledge of Homeless legislation, guidance and good practice
- Knowledge and understanding of the work of the Criminal Justice System and Probation Service
- Good knowledge of accommodation options and services for homeless and vulnerable people including prison leavers and rough sleepers within the district.
What can I expect?
- This is a Full-Time post of 37 hours per week.
- 25 days of Holidays plus 8 Bank Holidays.
- Support and ongoing training.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard)
- The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Great range of benefits including discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program with a dedicated personal trainer, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, cycle to work scheme and many more.
For further information please contact Liz Rumbelow on 01924 304576 or 07881994782
This job is available on a secondment basis. Please seek approval from your manager in advance of applying
Want to Know More?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council feel free to contact Liz Rumbelow.
Tel:07881994782
E-mail:erumbelow@wakefield.gov.uk
E-mail Correspondence
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Safeguarding
Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and vulnerable adults are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults whilst promoting their welfare. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.
DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)
The successful applicant will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and to provide criminal conviction information.
Fluency Duty
This post is subject to the Fluency Duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016. The post-holder is required to demonstrate an appropriate level of fluency under the duty as detailed within the job specification for the post.
Probation
In line with the Council’s Probation Procedure, certain positions may be subject to a six-month probationary period. This requirement does not apply to internal vacancies.
Diversity
Having a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve helps us to achieve the best outcomes for all. We encourage applications from everyone and actively seek to ensure that everyone feels included in the workplace so that we can make the most of our differences.
About Wakefield Council
Want to find out more about Wakefield Council,click here.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
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Homeless Prevention Officer (Criminal Justice) employer: Wakefield Council
Contact Detail:
Wakefield Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeless Prevention Officer (Criminal Justice)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local homelessness legislation and the specific challenges faced by prison leavers. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the criminal justice and housing sectors. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who work in these areas, as they can provide valuable insights and potentially refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios during your interview. Think of examples where you've successfully supported vulnerable individuals or worked collaboratively with multiple agencies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interpersonal skills by practicing active listening and empathy in your conversations. Being able to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds is essential for a Homeless Prevention Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeless Prevention Officer (Criminal Justice)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Homeless Prevention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as working with prison leavers and multi-agency partnerships.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience and qualifications that align with the role. Emphasise your knowledge of homelessness legislation, criminal justice systems, and any previous work with vulnerable populations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to showcase your interpersonal skills and resilience. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations, particularly those related to homelessness or criminal justice.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Homeless Prevention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by prison leavers and how your role can make a difference in their lives.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working with vulnerable individuals, demonstrate your excellent interpersonal skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and built rapport with challenging clients in the past.
✨Knowledge of Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation and the Criminal Justice System. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your work and how you would apply them in real-life scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Resilience
Working with homeless individuals can be emotionally taxing. Be ready to talk about your personal resilience and coping strategies when faced with challenging situations, showcasing your ability to remain effective under pressure.
