Trainee Homeless Intervention Officer

Team: Homelessness Intervention Team

Job Family: Advising- CBG7/CBG8

Salary: Career Grade starting at CBG7 £29,542 - £32,046 per annum pro rata - moving subject to assessment/accreditation CBG8 - £32,046 - £34,968 per annum pro rata

Hours: 37 hours per week (Please note this role will require you to participate in an out-of-hours rota).

Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.

Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent (2 positions available)

Closing Date: 25th November 2026

Interview Date: W/C 30th November 2026

About the role

We are looking for a Homelessness Intervention Officer who will play a vital role in helping people secure and sustain safe, suitable housing. You'll provide advice, support and statutory homelessness services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, taking a proactive and person-centred approach to achieving positive housing outcomes.

You'll work with people facing a wide range of challenges, including financial hardship, domestic abuse, relationship breakdown, and physical or mental health issues. Through empathy, professionalism and effective problem-solving, you'll help residents navigate often complex situations while ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.

What you'll be doing

• Assess homelessness applications and determine eligibility and statutory duties in line with housing legislation and guidance.
• Work directly with individuals and households to prevent or relieve homelessness through early intervention and practical support.
• Develop and manage Personalised Housing Plans that reflect individual circumstances, needs and achievable housing solutions.
• Manage a varied caseload, carrying cases from initial assessment through to resolution and statutory decision-making.
• Provide housing advice on tenancy rights, housing options, welfare benefits, affordability and financial assistance.
• Negotiate with landlords, letting agents, family members and accommodation providers to help sustain housing and prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Build strong partnerships with internal teams, housing providers, statutory agencies and voluntary sector organisations to deliver coordinated support.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to protect vulnerable adults and children.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions, actions and correspondence are fully documented.

What we're looking for

You'll have a strong understanding of homelessness legislation and housing practice, alongside the ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions in often challenging circumstances. You'll be confident managing competing priorities, communicating with a wide range of people and finding practical, sustainable solutions to housing problems.

You will also be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, contributing to a supportive team environment while maintaining high professional standards and a commitment to continuous learning.

Working Arrangements

The standard working arrangements for this post are Monday to Friday - however, you will also need to participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing support for urgent homelessness cases during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You may be required to assess emergency situations, arrange temporary accommodation and, where necessary, attend locations in person to respond to urgent housing needs.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Our Offer

We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page

Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.

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You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack.

Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.

For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Claire Dales at Claire.Dales@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

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To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.

Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI.

All new starters will join us on a four‑month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well‑supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire.

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.

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