Are you passionate about preventing homelessness, reducing reoffending and supporting people to achieve lasting change?
We're looking for an experienced, positive and solutions-focused Housing Intervention Worker to join our Camau Service, helping people involved with the criminal justice system secure stable accommodation and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work within prisons and alongside probation services, making a real difference to the lives of people preparing for release from custody.
About the Service
The Camau Service is commissioned by His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and delivered across Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys by The Forward Trust.
The service supports individuals who have been allocated a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement as part of their community supervision licence, helping them prepare for a successful return to the community. The service also supports unsentenced men on remand awaiting sentencing.
We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of addiction, recovery, previous offending or homelessness.
About the Role
Based primarily at HMP Cardiff, you will work closely with prison and probation colleagues to deliver housing-focused interventions that improve accommodation outcomes and prevent homelessness.
You will provide practical advice, advocacy and personalised support to individuals in custody and those transitioning back into the community. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will complete holistic assessments, develop support plans and build strong relationships with housing providers and partner agencies to secure sustainable accommodation.
There will be occasions where travel to HMP Parc or HMP Swansea is required, along with providing through-the-gate support into the community, depending on service needs.You may also be expected to provide through the gate support into Probation.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver one-to-one housing advice and interventions for individuals in custody and those preparing for release.
- Complete comprehensive housing needs assessments and develop person-centred action plans.
- Support individuals to access suitable accommodation and reduce the risk of homelessness.
- Source accommodation within the private rented sector, including shared accommodation, HMOs, studio flats and one-bedroom properties.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with landlords, letting agents, local authorities, Registered Social Landlords and other accommodation providers.
- Negotiate tenancy agreements, rental arrangements and property placements.
- Ensure accommodation meets legal, health and safety and housing quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with prison, probation and community partners to support successful resettlement.
- Signpost and refer service users to appropriate specialist support services, including employment, health, substance misuse and welfare support.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute towards achieving service performance targets.
- Work safely and effectively within safeguarding, risk management and lone working procedures.
About You
We're looking for someone who is motivated by improving lives and can build positive relationships with people facing multiple and complex disadvantages.
You will have:
- Experience supporting people with housing, homelessness or resettlement needs.
- A good understanding of housing legislation, homelessness prevention and the welfare benefits system.
- Experience providing advice and guidance on housing and welfare benefits.
- Experience completing assessments and developing person-centred support plans.
- Knowledge of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill health or involvement with the criminal justice system.
- Experience working with adults with multiple and complex needs.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Good organisational and IT skills, with experience maintaining accurate case records.
- An understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and risk management.