An exciting opportunity to join the Rough Sleepers Initiative in Canterbury, Kent. We are seeking an enthusiastic, empathetic individual to support our clients in moving away from the streets into accommodation and preventing street homelessness where possible. If you have experience working with homeless and/or vulnerable adults in complex situations or are looking for a career development opportunity, this role is for you.
What’s in it for you?
- Cost of living pay award negotiated annually as a salary increase
- Flexible, hybrid working – we understand the importance of a good work-life balance
- Generous annual leave entitlement! You’ll receive 23 days annual leave which increases with service, plus bank holidays, PLUS 3 given days over the Christmas period when our main offices are closed. You’ll also have the option to buy more annual leave.
- We do not work on Bank Holidays
- A fantastic local government pension scheme
- Excellent opportunities for training and development, as well as covering your Professional Body Membership fees where essential to the role
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts
- An easier commute: free use of Canterbury’s Park and Ride, flexi bus tickets, reduced train season ticket loans, and a cycle to work scheme
- Stay healthy: Access to free counselling, advice and webinars through our employee assistance programme, as well as contributions to the cost of Flu Jabs
About the Single Persons Homeless Officer role
This role supports clients in moving away from the streets into accommodation and preventing street homelessness.
Due to the nature of this role an enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.
Here’s what you’ll get up to
You will provide comprehensive advice, information, and advocacy on all matters related to housing and supporting individuals to end their rough sleeping.
You will work within a small team, building fast and strong working relationships with clients and external partners.
You will complete a range of shifts including working late at night, early in the morning.
You will maintain a caseload of clients, offering them assertive, consistent ongoing guidance & support until they are in a position to move from the street into accommodation and/or other appropriate support services.
You will ensure that all options to prevent or relieve the homelessness of an applicant are explored and make decisions on homeless applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and subsequent legislation where necessary.
Working pattern
- Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays
- Full‑Time
- Generous annual leave entitlement! You’ll receive 23 days annual leave which increases with service, plus bank holidays, PLUS 3 given days over the Christmas period when our main offices are closed. You’ll also have the option to buy more.
- Hybrid working: flexible, with a mix of on‑site and remote work
- Contract type: Fixed term (12 months)
About you, the ideal Single Persons Homeless Officer for the job
Your knowledge
- Must have working knowledge of the legal framework governing homelessness and allocations
- Knowledge of the current housing market and the environment in which the local authority operates
- Knowledge of local and national agencies who can assist our customers
Your experience
Experience of promptly assessing, planning, and completing actions with homeless and/or vulnerable adults in very complex situations.
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills both on the phone and face to face
- Problem solving, influencing, and negotiating
- Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people
- Ability to manage, organise, and prioritise a demanding workload
- Emotional resilience
- Adaptable and flexible
- Listening and questioning skills to establish facts
- Ability to work with some autonomy as well as being an effective team player
- Ability to form strong partnerships with external/internal agencies
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Canterbury City Council.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in everything we do. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone is valued, included, and respected.
Our diversity strengthens our ability to serve the diverse communities we support through our work.
To demonstrate this through our actions, all applications are anonymised for the shortlisting panel, allowing all applicants to be assessed on merit alone.
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