Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist

Can you help shape brighter futures for care-experienced young people? We're looking for a passionate and motivated professional to join our Children in Care and Care Leavers Service as a Care Leaver Homelessness Prevention Specialist. This is a unique role where you will make a real difference. You will work directly with young people leaving our care to prevent homelessness at a critical stage in their lives. This newly created post is temporary for 2 years, however there is the possibility of it being extended beyond this point in the future. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will:

• Use your expertise to prevent homelessness before crisis point
• Support young people to navigate housing pathways and access suitable accommodation
• Develop personalised housing plans that build independence
• Work closely with Housing teams, providers and partner agencies to get the best outcomes for young people
• Act as an advocate for young people
• This is an expert role where you will provide advice on housing and homelessness to other professionals as well as young people., Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
  
  An NVQ 3 in a relevant subject (or equivalent), as well as a current driving licence and access to a car
• Experience of working with care-experienced young people or vulnerable adolescents.
• Experience of working in a housing or homelessness service.
• Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.
• Experience of managing risk and working proactively to prevent crisis.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. We are committed to providing a culture where good practice can flourish. We ensure our practitioners are highly supported and encourage flexible working to achieve a good work-life balance. You will benefit from a range of training opportunities and professional development through personalised induction and professional supervision.