At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to provide housing options and support for domestic abuse survivors.
- Company: Join Waverley Borough Council, a dynamic and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness services and strong management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33953 - 41499 £ per year.
£43,993 pro rata to 14.5 hours per week - £17,240.50 per annum
Location: Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Part Time
Hours: 14.5 hours per week.
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 31/08/2026 at 09:00
Reference: HCE/26/342848
Do you want to lead an experienced, successful and enthusiastic team? Are you looking for a role with variety, where you can be relied on for your expertise and experience? Do you have detailed knowledge of domestic abuse and homelessness legislation, and housing need? Do you have experience in leading a team that provides housing options advice to domestic abuse, alongside providing tenancy sustainment and managing debt collection?
We are looking for a highly motivated team player to lead our Specialist Housing Options Team following growth of the team to respond to increasing demand. The Specialist Housing Options Team prevents and relieves homelessness working with survivors of domestic abuse. You will manage the team’s assessments of homeless applications to determine what statutory duties are owed to customers. You will then guide the team as needed to ensure the effective and lawful discharge of the Council’s homelessness duties, whilst minimizing the number of households in emergency accommodation.
You will have a caseload of complex clients, and will also participate in the team’s duty rota. Working as the Safeguarding Lead for the Housing Needs team, you will also represent the Council at key stakeholder meetings including MARAC, CHaRRM, Child in Need Core Group and Child Protection Conference. You would be responsible for managing sustainable debt collection from Housing Options clients who have been assisted through the Council’s deposit scheme.
The role requires excellent management and communication skills together with strong technical knowledge, initiative and the ability to think outside the box. Your experience of working in front line homelessness services will help you to remain calm under pressure and to enable the team to continue to deliver the highest levels of customer service.
You will have a good understanding of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and the Housing Act Part VI and VII (as amended) as well as having excellent IT skills and the ability to keep run reports, submit data, keep accurate records and meet deadlines.
This is a job-share opportunity for 14.5 hours per week. We welcome applications from candidates seeking different working patterns and are happy to discuss how the contractual hours could be worked across the week. The final working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate, taking account of individual preferences alongside the operational requirements of the service and the need to ensure effective coverage and continuity.
Waverley is an ambitious, dynamic, and innovative local authority, proud of being one of the highest performing Councils in the country. Key to our success is our commitment to team working and ongoing development of our high performing, highly engaged workforce, who all share in the delivery of the organisation’s values and corporate objectives. Waverley is a beautiful place, consistently rated as one of the best places in the Country to live and to work. The borough is within easy reach of London and the south coast.
Waverley takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who wants to work with children or vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure at the Enhanced level from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The working pattern agreed with the successful applicant will determine whether this part time opportunity is performed on a hybrid or office basis. The successful applicant will have a valid driving licence and a vehicle available for work purposes.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Elizabeth Donaldson, Housing Needs Manager, on 01483 523452.
Closing date - 9am on the 31st August 2026
Interview date: 8th September 2026 and there will be a short, paper-based exercise prior to each interview.
Equality and Inclusion Statement: The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit.
Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Information: We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications. All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications. Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
Housing Options Specialist Manager in Godalming employer: Waverley Borough Council
Waverley Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With flexible working arrangements and generous benefits, employees have the opportunity to grow within a collaborative environment while making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Specialist Manager in Godalming
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Waverley Borough Council, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Waverley Borough Council. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Waverley Borough Council's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Specialist Manager in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Waverley Borough Council. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Waverley Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Waverley Borough Council.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Housing Options Specialist Manager at Waverley Borough Council.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Waverley Borough Council that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Housing Options Specialist Manager role.
