Housing Solutions Officer (Criminal Justice Specialist) Ref: 08-25

Salary: Grade 8, starting at £30,873 per annum (pay award pending)
Hours: Full time, 37 per week
Basis: Permanent
Place of Work: Dereham, occasionally Thetford and some travel across the district or further afield

After a review of the Housing and Communities service we are excited to be expanding our service and we have a number of rewarding positions available.   Some of these are technical and specialist positions, ideal for individuals with knowledge and experience in housing legislation and some are more public-facing roles, which are perfect for those who excel at connecting with people, fostering relationships, and creating a welcoming environment.

We are recruiting to a Housing Solutions Officer role, whose experience of working directly with people in the criminal justice system will combine that expertise and with an understanding of housing and homelessness legislation.

For this role, would you like a job where what you do:

• Can have a direct and positive impact on the lives of people involved in or impacted by the criminal justice system, facing homelessness or housing issues?
• Is an opportunity to build on your experience of working with people in the criminal justice system?
• Challenges you to be creative, persistent and resilient?
• Links across the housing service to help assist and advise those who need it most, often facing challenging circumstances?

About you:

Your qualities and behaviours are as important to us as your work experience.  Is this you?

• 'I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input'
• 'I listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge'
• 'I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'
• 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'
• 'I am flexible ensuring I provide the best possible service, wherever and whenever is best for the customer'
• 'I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan'
• 'I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'
• 'I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience'
• 'I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me.'

OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?

As a Housing Solutions Officer (Criminal Justice Specialist) you will:

• Maintain a strong relationship with probation, prisons and other agencies/service involved in the Criminal Justice system.
• Be the lead for our authority as the Criminal Justice specialist to prevent homelessness within this vulnerable client group.
• Attend weekly external Criminal Justice meetings with other professionals to discuss cases. These meetings are solution based looking at various accommodation options to prevent rough sleeping within this vulnerable cohort
• Be the Lead officer in dealing with 'Duty to Refers' for Criminal Justice cases
• Carry out full housing assessments either face to face in prison or online
• Work in conjunction with a neighbouring district to maximise the use of the AFEO scheme
• Refer to supported accommodation and look at other accommodation options, both within the district and further afield
• Think outside of the box to overcome barriers to access accommodation
• Take a holistic approach- looking at not only accommodation but also employment, training etc to reduce re offending rates.

Please see the job description and person specification for more a comprehensive list of duties that the role normally entails as you could be asked to occasionally pick up other responsibilities, and also for the personal qualities needed.

Please be aware that applicants who do not submit a supporting statement showing how they meet the person specification will not be considered for interview.

Closing date - 9am, Monday 28^th April