About Us

Job Title - Accommodation for Ex-offenders (AFEO) Navigator

Salary Range – £36,426 – £44,139 per annum

Location - Putney Bridge Road

Fixed Term- 12Months (Full-Time)

Objective of role  

The Accommodation for Ex-Offenders program (AFEO) was first introduced in July 2021 to support homeless prison leavers to access the private rented sector, reducing the chances of this cohort rough sleeping and reoffending. 

We are looking for capable and ambitious individuals who are keen to work with this client group as well as assess and determine the Council’s housing duty under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. 

You will develop housing pathways into private rented accommodation, providing appropriate advice and support to assist applicants to sustain their tenancy as part of Wandsworth Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Service.

You will play a key part in developing partnership working with relevant agencies and services working with Ex-Offenders.

About the role 

Ideally you will have experience of working with ex-offenders and possess the ability to work remotely across the borough services. We are especially interested in your transferable skills, particularly your ability to assess information, understand and accurately apply the assessment criteria and are solution focused.

You will be able to engage and work collaboratively with ex-offenders, some of whom may have complex support needs, and to support this group with tenancy sustainment. You will also have a good knowledge of services and support available to people experiencing homelessness.

The role will entail acting as single point of contact for agencies working with this client group. You will be involved in developing housing pathways for ex-offenders and develop and maintain effective joint working arrangements with Probation, Prisons and Community Accommodation Service providers and other partner agencies.

You will possess the ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities ensuring that actions are taken in a timely manner and all information and data are accurately recorded.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience of carrying out interviews and investigations and ability to negotiate.  
• Experience of working with vulnerable clients experiencing complex issues and ability to manage risk appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise your workload to achieve targets and meet deadlines.
• Effective record keeping and maintenance of accurate case records.
• Commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of services provided.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of ex-offenders at risk of homelessness, possess the required skills and thrive in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date- Sunday 23^rd June 2024

Shortlisting Date: W/C 24^th June 2024

Interview Date: TBC 

Useful Information

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.   

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.  

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils