Job Description

Salary

38,928 - 41,895 (up to 43,093 for exceptional performance once in post) per annum (pay award pending)

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Region

South

Job category/type

Housing

Date posted

25/07/2025

Make a lasting impact - lead a team dedicated to preventing homelessness before it starts.

We are seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Prevention Homelessness Team Leader to join our Housing Options Team and lead a passionate team focused on early, effective and lawful homelessness prevention. You will play a critical role in ensuring that our approach is proactive, person-centred, and legally compliant -- supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

About the Role:

As Team Leader, you will lead, supervise and develop a team of Triage Officers, Homeless Prevention Officers and Prevention Support Workers who are responsible for delivering tailored advice, assistance and interventions to individuals and households at risk of homelessness.

You will ensure that duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 -- in particular the prevention duty under Section 195 -- are carried out efficiently, creatively and lawfully. Your leadership will be key in maintaining a high-quality service that meets statutory obligations and delivers positive outcomes for residents.

You'll manage day-to-day casework oversight, provide technical guidance on complex cases, ensure performance targets are met, and work closely with partners across housing, social care, domestic abuse services, health, criminal justice, and the voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision and casework oversight for a team of Housing Solutions Officers. Ensure homelessness prevention casework is legally compliant, timely and effective under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and the Homelessness Code of Guidance. Monitor and report on key performance indicators, outcomes and statutory returns, using data to identify trends and improve services. Support staff in identifying prevention options including mediation, landlord negotiation, tenancy sustainment, and access to alternative accommodation. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and person-centred practice, ensuring each client is treated with dignity, respect and empathy. Work with internal and external partners to develop joined-up responses to homelessness risks, with a focus on early intervention and multi-agency collaboration. Contribute to service development, policy review, audits, training and safeguarding procedures. Act as a senior point of escalation for complex or high-risk cases and support legal decision-making and review processes.

About You:

To succeed in this role, you will need to be confident in leading people and processes, with excellent knowledge of housing legislation and a strong commitment to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness.

What you will bring is:

In-depth knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996 (Part 7), and relevant case law. Experience managing or supervising staff within a housing or homelessness context. Proven track record of handling complex homelessness cases and delivering prevention-focused solutions. Excellent understanding of safeguarding, equality duties, and the wider factors that contribute to housing instability. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with residents, colleagues and partner agencies.
Analytical skills to interpret data, write reports, and contribute to service planning.

Desirable:

Relevant qualification in housing, law, social work, or similar field. Experience of working within a local authority or statutory housing service. Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice models.

What's in it for you?

38,928 - 41,895 (up to 43,093 for exceptional performance once in post) per annum (pay award pending) 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision Hybrid Working Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).

About us.

As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.

At NFDC we believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that's why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, where ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. We're keen to support career development and help all colleagues to be the best they can be.

We are proud of our values, please watch this short video to find out more. LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness (youtube.com)

If you're ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application.

To view full details of what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please click on the candidate pack attached.

Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC

You must include details and dates of 'spent' convictions, cautions and reprimands and final warnings.

After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Victoria Gibbs Housing Options Manager: 02380 285246

Closing date:

11pm on 10th August 2025

Interview Date:

20th August 2025