About Us

We have invested in our homelessness teams and have several posts to help us tackle, prevent and relieve homelessness more effectively. We are looking for capable and ambitious individuals keen to help families and individuals facing homelessness. 

Whilst previous experience of working in a homelessness or other busy front-line public-sector role would be advantageous, it is not essential. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is new to the world of homelessness and has a passion for making a positive difference to people’s lives.  Homelessness can be a challenging career path, but also one that brings great rewards.  To succeed in this role, you will:

Be able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills emotionally mature and confident to work with people facing homelessness for various reasons.

Be organised in your work and able to keep on top of changing properties.

Be able to engage and work collaboratively with families and individuals who require housing assistance.

Have the ability to think innovatively and creatively and apply effective housing options to prevent and relieve homelessness. 

 Maintain high levels of good customer care and empathy throughout. We may not always be able to give people what they want, but we should always be honest and treat them with respect, in consideration of their situation.

 Dealing with a diverse and vulnerable clientele either face-to-face, on the phone or through email.

The ability to engage and work collaboratively with internal and external partner agencies and organisations to deliver support needs and homelessness solutions. 

Work within a pressurised and high-profile office environment, supporting a wider team and ensuring the provision of high-quality customer care.

Understand the value of achieving performance targets in order to meet the wider departmental objectives.

Use a wide range of IT systems, including databases, spreadsheets and word documents.

Follow processes, procedures and policy, with a keen eye for detail and accurate recording.

Have the desire and drive to take on continual learning and development and progress your career. 

We are especially interested in your transferable skills in particular your ability to assess information, understand and accurately apply the assessment criteria, problem solve and communicate effectively with applicants, colleagues and agencies. 

We are recruiting to the following posts:

Homelessness Prevention & Solutions officer x 4 full time permanent

Homelessness Prevention & Solutions officer x 1 Thursday and Friday permanent

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. 

In these roles you would typically work in hybrid way with 2/3 days in the office and 2/3 days working from home each week. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.  We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 40 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities. 

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: Sunday 01^st October 2023

Shortlisting Dates: W/C 02^nd October 2023 

Interview Dates: W/C 16^th October 2023 

Shortlisting to take place between Monday 2^nd October and Thursday 5^th. Candidates who have been shortlisted will need to select an interview slot by 5pm Friday 6^th. Interviews will take place between Monday 16^th and Thursday 26^th October. As part of the interview process you will be asked to complete a test. If you require adjustments please let us know

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change. 

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.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymous.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information: 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils