Job Description

We have an exciting role within Housing Options and the Rough Sleeper Initiative Project, to provide advice and support to complex rough sleepers who present with housing issues and multiple barriers preventing them moving forward.

Housing Options Officer – Rough Sleeper Specialists are responsible for preventing and relieving homelessness. This new post has been created to have a positive impact on the numbers sleeping rough by supporting rough sleepers from their first contact with services, giving a continued single point of contact and support through the Ipswich pathway system to settled accommodation.

We are looking for a pro-active individual who is able to take an innovative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service specifically to people sleeping rough.  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 this very vulnerable group.

Day to day

Reporting to the Rough Sleeper Project Manager, you will support the individual rough sleepers in their recovery to find a solution to the issues preventing them moving forward. You will be based in Grafton House at home and in the community working closely with other rough sleeper project partners other Local Authorities and relevant Government departments to take the service to the client, building effective relationships. You will attend weekly and monthly meetings and may lead multi agency meetings to get the best outcomes for your client.

About you

You will require Maths and English GCSEs or equivalent skills. An up to date knowledge of issues affecting rough sleepers, landlord and tenant law, debt advice, income maximisation alongside effective homeless prevention initiatives. Experience of building effective relationships with clients and professionals is desirable. 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 Act 2002, the Localism Act 2011 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.

This post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

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 Martin Hender on 01473 433262 or via email martin.hender@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 17^th July 2023