Job Description

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Housing Support Officer to join our team, working closely with care leavers to prevent homelessness and support their journey toward independent living. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people by helping them access safe, secure, and sustainable housing.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to care leavers, helping them make positive housing choices and avoid homelessness.
• Work collaboratively with Personal Advisors from the Pathways Through Care team to support pathway planning and housing transitions.
• Manage temporary accommodation units, ensuring properties are well-maintained and ready for new tenants.
• Support care leavers with complex needs to become responsible tenants, including guidance on tenancy responsibilities and housing options.
• Conduct property inspections, manage tenancy sign ups and terminations, and ensure timely turnover of temporary housing.
• Offer advice on welfare and housing benefits, including Universal Credit and benefit cap implications.
• Monitor rent arrears and develop sustainable repayment plans to prevent repeat homelessness.
• Maintain strong communication with internal teams and external partners such as YMCA and Two Saints to identify move-on options.
• Attend weekly housing panels and the Young People's Hub to provide ongoing support and advice.
• Contribute to service development, including supporting housing young inspectors and responding to feedback from care leavers.
• Assist in the procurement and inspection of private sector housing for care leavers, building relationships with landlords.
• Support care leavers living outside the city and those in non-secure tenancies or Staying Connected properties.
• Maintain accurate records for auditing and reporting purposes, including statistical data on housing needs.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, lone working procedures, and safeguarding protocols.

What We're Looking For

• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
• Experience in housing management, tenancy support, or working with vulnerable young people.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness prevention strategies, and welfare benefits.
• Willingness to travel across the city and work flexibly to meet the needs of care leavers.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team that's passionate about making a difference.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Help shape innovative housing solutions for care leavers.

What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is 37,280 - 40,778. The starting salary is 37,280 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent

with 16.8% employer contribution * Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)

• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:
Please note: We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship on this role, at this time.
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the role please contact Christopher Payne
Recruitment contact details:
Email:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit
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Organisation
Southampton City Council
Service Area
Housing
Job Location
Homeless Unit
Contract Length
Fixed term for 12 months
Work Hours
Full time 37 hours per week
Salary
37,280 - 40,778 per annum
Special Requirements
Enhanced DBS will be required
Closing Date
19/10/2025
Job Reference
16017
Documents
(PDF, 217.26kb)

Skills Required