Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Officer - #2144472

BBS Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency specialising in the transport and logistics sector, supplying staff to a wide range of clients across London, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas. We also recruit for roles within Social Care and the Public Sector.

We are currently recruiting for a Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Officer for our clients based in London.

Job Purpose for Homelessness & Rough Sleepers Housing Officer:

The Homelessness & Rough Sleepers Housing Officer will provide professional, person-centred housing and support services to vulnerable adults who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or have experience of rough sleeping.

The role will focus on helping residents secure and maintain safe accommodation, prevent homelessness, develop the skills required for independent living and successfully move into suitable long-term housing.

The successful candidate will work closely with residents and partner agencies to identify individual housing needs, manage risks, develop support plans and create clear pathways towards stable accommodation and independent living.

Key Responsibilities for Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Officer:

• Provide person-centred housing support and intensive key working to homeless individuals, rough sleepers and vulnerable adults with complex support needs.
• Assess residents' housing, support and wellbeing needs and develop appropriate individual support plans.
• Support residents to maintain their current accommodation and address issues that could result in tenancy breakdown or homelessness.
• Develop clear and realistic housing pathways with residents, identifying suitable move-on and long-term accommodation.
• Support residents to access and sustain appropriate permanent or independent accommodation.
• Provide practical resettlement support to residents moving into new accommodation, helping them establish and maintain their tenancy.
• Assist residents with housing applications, referrals, benefits, budgeting, tenancy responsibilities and access to relevant services.
• Liaise with local authorities, housing providers, landlords, social care, health services, safeguarding teams and voluntary sector organisations.
• Advocate on behalf of residents where appropriate and ensure they have access to the services and support they require.
• Encourage residents to engage with meaningful activities, health services, education, employment and community-based opportunities that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Conduct interviews and assessments for new residents and identify individual housing and support requirements.
• Complete appropriate risk assessments, risk management plans and safeguarding assessments.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Ensure residents understand accommodation rules, health and safety requirements, emergency procedures and their responsibilities as residents.
• Identify where a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) may be required and ensure appropriate arrangements are implemented.
• Monitor residents' progress against agreed support and housing outcomes and regularly review support plans.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, challenging behaviour, anti-social behaviour and other issues that may affect residents or the wider service.
• Contribute to the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the hostel or supported accommodation service.
• Carry out regular room checks, health and safety inspections, emergency drills and other required checks.
• Ensure identified health and safety issues are followed up promptly and any immediate risks are reported and made safe.
• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive and supportive environment for residents.
• Work in accordance with relevant homelessness, housing, safeguarding, health and safety legislation, policies and procedures.

Working Hours: 36 per week, Monday - Friday 

Requirements for Homelessness and Rough Sleepers Housing Officer:

• Enhanced DBS 
• Experience of working with homeless people, rough sleepers or vulnerable adults with housing and support needs.
• Experience of housing management, homelessness services, supported accommodation or related frontline services.
• Experience of key working, support planning and assessing individual needs.
• Experience of completing or contributing to risk assessments and risk management plans.
• Experience of working with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable people.

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.

If you have the relevant experience, please apply with your CV!