Job Title Homelessness Prevention Officer (HPO)
Role Profile 17.5 hours per week
Reporting To: CarmDAS Adult Services Manager/Ty Rhosyn Lead Threshold
Contract Length: Fixed term until November 2028
Salary: £11'656-11'894 (actual based on 17.5 hours per week)
Base: CarmDAS Carmarthen Office
Overview of Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services (CarmDAS)
CarmDAS is a specialist domestic abuse charity covering Carmarthenshire, providing accommodation and community-based services, aimed at supporting women, men and children who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. CarmDAS places the needs of service users at the heart of everything it does and this is reflected throughout the organisation and its relationships with others over the past 46 years.
Overview of Ty Rhosyn Housing Support Services
Ty Rhosyn Housing Support Services will provide a housing support service for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Funded by the Community Fund, there are 4 main partners, all registered charities, and several other partners which are non-financing. The main financed partners are:
1. Threshold DAS (Lead)
2. Calan Domestic Violence Services (CALAN DVS)
3. Carmarthen Domestic Abuse Services (CARM DAS)
4. West Wales Domestic Abuse Services (WWDAS)
The service will be accessible to individuals who are at risk of being homeless or who are homeless, as a result of domestic abuse and currently reside in the Ceredigion or the Carmarthenshire area, who are relocating to this area from elsewhere or who are reporting domestic abuse to agencies within this area.
Purpose of the Role
An exciting opportunity exists for a Homelessness Prevention Officer (HPO) in Carmarthenshire.
The HPO will be a key member of the team and will be responsible for the delivery of Homelessness Prevention services in the Carmarthen area.
Assess and analyse conflict (complex) situations across all tenures in Carmarthen and surrounding areas, including problems or information concerning homelessness because of conflict within the family home. Undertake appropriate liaison with other organisations where required, identifying the most appropriate method of intervention to resolve or manage the conflict and provide practical support to all tenants affected by antisocial behaviour. The work will include working directly with individuals undertaking home visits as required to identify the most appropriate method of intervention to resolve or manage the conflict. You will be involved in providing practical support to those affected by Domestic Abuse and Anti-Social Behaviour, therefore knowledge of current ASB legislation is desirable.
There is a responsibility for the post holder to demonstrate a commitment to quality service delivery through continuous improvement for the benefit of the Service and the organisation.
This is a flexible working contract where some evening and weekend work may be required to suit service users.
Person Specification
Essential
- Academic achievement at Degree level in housing or equivalent transferable skills and experience
- Relevant qualification e.g., Housing, or relevant experience of at least three years in a housing environment.
- Relevant qualification in Housing Management
- Evidence of professional development and willingness to undertake relevant training and development.
- Relevant experience working with the public
- Experience in dealing with disputes, grievances and resolving complex issues
- Experience within a support/counselling setting
- Experience working with a wide range of professionals and partners
- Experience in drafting reports for management/committees
- Experience working with people with complex needs including but not exhaustive: Drugs, alcohol, or mental Health.
- The ability to engage and build strong relationships with people
- A non-judgemental mindset and an understanding of the impacts of homelessness, substance misuse, family breakdown, domestic abuse, and trauma
- A forward-thinking and resilient attitude, to overcome the barriers and setbacks you will face
- A strong character who can remain calm and collected in challenging situations
- Experience in support work or domestic abuse with an understanding of housing options, housing law and basic benefits
- A full UK driving license and access to a car
Desirable
- Qualification or training in domestic abuse.
- Master qualification in relevant discipline.
- Knowledge of new housing legislation coming into effect in Wales in December 2022.
- Knowledge of Rapid Rehousing model.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation within the field of domestic abuse including working with perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse.
- Experience in advocating for vulnerable people.
- Experience working within the voluntary/third sector
- Ability to speak Welsh
- A willingness to undertake and complete further qualifications as deemed necessary.
- Knowledge of safeguarding criteria and referral process.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £11,656.00-£11,894.00 per year
Expected hours: 17.5 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee mentoring programme
- Financial planning services
- Flexitime
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Carmarthen: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Carmarthen
