About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Housing Support Team Leader to join our East Kent Housing Support team.
You will be responsible for line managing a team of Housing Support Workers and supporting the Service Manager in the effective leadership and delivery of the service. The overarching aim of the project is to increase the proportion of people entering structured treatment and support them to maintain stable and secure housing.
The service works with people experiencing housing-related needs alongside drug and alcohol issues, helping them access appropriate support, engage with treatment and secure and sustain suitable accommodation.
Key outcomes for the service include:
- Improving successful recovery outcomes for people engaged in structured drug and alcohol treatment.
- Reducing unplanned discharges from treatment for people with housing-related needs.
- Supporting people in temporary accommodation who have substance misuse support needs and signposting them into appropriate local services.
- Reducing the number of people losing temporary accommodation due to substance misuse or associated behaviours.
- Improving access to, and sustainment of, suitable accommodation for people engaging in structured drug treatment.
- Reducing unmet housing need among people engaged in structured drug and alcohol treatment.
- Contributing to the development of an evidence base around housing-related needs for people dependent on drugs and alcohol and the most effective interventions.
On a day-to-day basis, you will allocate caseloads, manage a small number of complex cases, support and develop your team, and ensure that deadlines, performance targets and quality standards are consistently met.
You will be responsible for contributing to performance targets set by Forward and local Grant Funding Commissioners. You will also support the Service Manager to ensure that data is accurate, recorded appropriately and submitted within required timescales.
At times, you will be the most senior representative on site and will be required to deputise for the Service Manager, ensuring the smooth and effective running of the service.
This is a position of trust, requiring strong communication, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. You will build an effective working relationship with the Service Manager and work closely with other Forward departments and external partner agencies, particularly Local Authority Housing Teams, to achieve positive outcomes for the people we support.
Flexibility is essential, as the role will involve travelling to other projects across the East Kent region where required. This will help ensure continuity of care and support for the client group.
About You
We are looking for an experienced professional who is passionate about supporting people affected by homelessness, substance misuse and other complex needs. You will have experience of working within housing, homelessness, substance misuse, health, social care or a related environment, alongside the ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
You will be confident managing competing priorities, supporting staff with complex cases and ensuring that services meet performance, quality and contractual requirements.
You will have:
Qualifications and Experience
- A qualification in management or relevant management experience.
- Accreditation, qualification or relevant experience in homelessness, substance misuse, health, social care or a related field.
- A housing qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
- Experience of supporting people with complex needs and/or experience within housing or support services.
Knowledge
- Knowledge of community support and housing services.
- Knowledge of key housing and homelessness legislation.
- An understanding of the factors that contribute to homelessness.
- Awareness of the criminal justice sector and its impact on individuals and their housing and support needs.
- An understanding of substance misuse and the challenges faced by people accessing structured treatment.
Skills and Approach
- Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to support and develop a team.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- The ability to manage complex cases effectively and provide appropriate support and guidance to staff.
- Strong communication and partnership-working skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies, particularly Local Authority Housing Teams.
- The ability to work towards performance targets and maintain high standards of service delivery.
- Confidence in making decisions and deputising for the Service Manager when required.
- A flexible approach and willingness to travel across East Kent to meet service needs.