Criminal Justice Link Worker

Full-time Position

We are looking for a pro-active individual who can take an innovative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service to customers working with Probation Services or coming from other parts of the criminal justice system, including prison to secure accommodation.

Job Description

We are looking for a pro-active individual who can take an innovative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service to customers experiencing domestic abuse with housing problems. An ability to communicate clearly and effectively to customers, landlords, accommodation providers, partner organisations and other professionals whilst providing a high quality of service and customer care to all groups of the community is essential.

Day to day

The post requires you to be part of a rota dealing with housing enquires on the telephone and interviewing customers face to face regarding relevant housing issues. When not on duty your time will be spent dealing with casework. We are currently hybrid working, between home and Grafton House.

About you

You will require Maths and English GCSEs or equivalent skills. An up to date knowledge on landlord and tenant law, debt advice, income maximisation alongside effective homeless prevention initiatives, experience of processing homeless applications made under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) to produce clearly detailed and robust written s184 decisions in accordance with current legislation and case law will be an advantage. Whilst previous experience of front line interviewing within a demanding environment, applying the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Act 2002, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and related legislation is desirable, full training will be provided to the right candidate who can demonstrate the qualities and skills required for this role.

Hours of work are 37 per week, Monday to Friday.

DBS clearance is required for this role.

This post is offered on a permanent basis.

As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking, public transport discounts, free swimming, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information about this role please contact Nicola Clarke (she/her) on 01473 433261 or via email Nicola.clarke@ipswich.gov.uk or Bridie Green (she/her) on 01473 433222 or via email bridie.green@ipswich.gov.uk

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job Description and Person Specification

The selection process will be an interview. Interviews will be held on 19^th October 2023 in person at Grafton House Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2DE.

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.