Support & Inclusion Officer

Position: Support & Inclusion Officer - 2 Positions

Support & Inclusion Officer – Rough Sleeping Prevention Team

We are looking for motivated, solution‑focused Support & Inclusion Officers to join our innovative team. The role supports people who experience rough sleeping or are recovering from homelessness. You will help people secure accommodation, identify and access relevant support services, and work within BCP’s Strategic Housing team and partner agencies.

Pay range: £31,537–£36,363 (pro rata for part‑time colleagues). All new starters begin at the bottom of the pay band. You’ll have scope for growth and meaningful contribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high‑quality resettlement support and resettlement service for homeless people.
• Support households in emergency and temporary accommodation in finding settled accommodation in the Private Rented Sector, supported housing and Social Housing.
• Respond swiftly to Housing Benefit queries from landlords and applicants.
• Monitor households placed in temporary accommodation and facilitate rapid move‑on.
• Assist Housing Options Officers to review Personal Housing Support Plans and identify suitable exit accommodation.
• Review the support a client requires to maintain accommodation and arrange appropriate referrals (e.g. drug and alcohol, mental‑health services).
• Work with partner agencies to provide support while clients are in temporary accommodation and aid transition to settled accommodation.
• Ensure clients receive linkages into primary health services.
• Assist clients to maximise income, obtain necessary documents (, bank account) and assess affordability of next‑step accommodation.
• Secure essential items for resettlement into next‑step accommodation.
• Provide robust housing advice and assistance in line with legislation and council policies.
• Maintain accurate case notes and record all activity on relevant case‑management systems.
• Maximise private‑sector supply by liaising with landlords and providers to secure suitable private sector accommodation.
• Attend case conferences and represent the service as requested.

Prevention of Homelessness

• Assist households to maintain current accommodation across all sectors to prevent homelessness.
• Support private‑sector clients to prevent eviction by rectifying tenancy issues.
• Help households at risk of homelessness maximise income and rectify benefit issues to sustain tenancies.
• Provide specialist advice on tenancy matters.
• Work with landlords, clients and agencies to prevent homelessness.
• Support families in preventing eviction; where remaining in current accommodation is not possible, assist relocation to suitable accommodation.

Qualifications and Experience (Essential / Desirable)

• English and Maths GCSE (E)
• Experience providing excellent customer service and dealing with members of the public face‑to‑face and over the phone (E)
• Experience of providing housing support and advice (D)
• Experience of data entry (E)
• Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office (E)
• Ability to motivate people and explain complex legislation clearly (E)
• Working knowledge of policies and procedures (E)
• Awareness of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) part VII & Homelessness Reduction Act (E – working knowledge
  
  D)
• Understanding of the causes of homelessness and rough sleeping (E)
• Excellent communication skills across all sectors (E)
• Very strong negotiation skills (E)
• Excellent interpersonal skills (E)

Personal Qualities & Attributes (Essential / Desirable)

• Ability to manage caseloads and competing demands (E)
• Creative and proactive (E)
• Motivational skills and active listening (E)
• Excellent written and verbal communication (E)
• Organisational, time‑management and detail orientation (E)
• Calm under pressure, meet deadlines (E)
• Team and partner agency collaboration (E)
• Reflective practice and adaptability (E)
• Independent working across BCP community sites (E)
• Ability to visit clients in homes and lone work where appropriate (E)
• Commitment to diversity and cultural differences (E)
• Calm under pressure (E)

Application Details

Apply for both roles in one application. Specify your preferred role. A full driving licence and vehicle access are preferred. You must provide evidence of right to work and commit to the contract duration.

Applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure & Barring Service Check.

Post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; fluent English is essential.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and will only consider applicants with an existing right to work in the UK.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs over 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of renowned coastline. We offer career‑defining roles to transform and improve services.

Benefits

At BCP Council, we recognise and reward our people. Check out our enhanced benefits and Pay and Reward package.

Be a part of an organisation that values you.

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