Job Description

System Change - Accommodation Pathways Lead

Location:

Bristol

Salary:

36,943 per annum

Hours:

37 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent

Closing Date:

{Expiry Date}

Second Step is a leading mental health charity in the South West offering housing, support and hope to thousands of people with mental health and other support needs. Our goal is to inspire hope and deliver change for everybody and every community we work with.

System Change - Accommodation Pathways Lead

Hours

Full time (37 hours per week) job share, secondment or part time will also be considered.

Salary

36,943 pro rata per annum with a progression opportunity up to 39,988

Location:

Bristol based covering Bristol North Somerset South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) /Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) localities, requiring travel.

Role Overview:

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity to join our Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT). SCFT is a multi-disciplinary team that focuses on supporting people in secure mental health hospitals as they transition to community living. Accommodation within the community is central to our work and plays a key role in the long-term resettlement and success of our clients.



In this role, you will spot gaps in provision, support, challenge and navigate system complexity, coordinate accommodation plans, liaise with housing providers, and work closely with clinical staff to ensure smooth transitions for clients from secure settings to community living. You will also contribute to shaping our housing strategy, monitor the effectiveness of accommodation pathways, and provide guidance to team members on best practice for complex cases. Your work will be supported day-to-day by a dedicated Housing Navigator, ensuring clients receive the appropriate support at every stage.

What makes our SCFT unique

is our integrated approach: we bring together clinical expertise and lived experience to deliver truly person-centred support. The diversity and collaboration within the team allow us to create innovative, tailored solutions for every individual we serve.

We are looking for someone who:

is passionate about mental health and committed to supporting Second Step's work bridging the gap between primary and secondary mental health services.
has in-depth knowledge of local housing options and relevant legislation affecting mental health service users.
understands the multiple disadvantages people using mental health services face, particularly regarding accommodation needs
Understands how diversity intersects with housing barriers and is confident to talk and highlight those barriers faced by our clients.
can multitask and work effectively within a clinical professional team, adhering to protocols and procedures.
can adapt flexibly to clients' needs and build meaningful professional relationships.

The successful candidate will;

Demonstrate knowledge of housing pathways, relevant legislation, and the selection of accommodation providers and resources available in the sector.
Demonstrate an understanding of the mental health sector, including key services, organisations, and legislation affecting service users.
Provide personalised support, advice, and guidance to individual clients and professionals with a focus on housing needs and complex support requirements.
Build effective professional relationships with stakeholders in the housing system using strong interpersonal skills.


For an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Lisa Murfin, Second Step Service Manager at

Lisa.Murfin@Second-Step.co.uk

or 0117 9096630.



Second Step is a leading provider of mental health services. We offer excellent training and look forward to hearing from people who share our beliefs and values.



Further details of this opportunity can be found in the role profile which you can access from the top of this screen

Closing date: Midnight 7th October 2025

Interview date: w/c 20th October 2025

The ability to travel to several appointments daily is essential.



For more information and to apply please see our website

www.second-step.co.uk.

Second Step is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community and from people who have personal experience of using mental health services. Unfortunately, Second Step is unable to sponsor applicants from outside the UK.