Homelessness Adviser

We are MHCLG

This role works directly with local authorities to support the delivery of good quality homelessness services. Using sector experience the adviser role builds relationships with senior managers of homelessness services to influence service design, drive improvements and help translate government policy into delivery. The role also helps to shape policy at the heart of government by sharing sector experience and local government delivery expertise into the process.

The Homelessness Adviser role includes regular face to face contact with local authorities, stakeholders and civil service colleagues in a variety of locations across the country and requires regular travel and in some circumstances over night stays. This means that advisers undertake official business from sites other than the assigned MHCLG office, with travel to other locations and offices along side homebased working in accordance with MHCLG policies.

• Lead local authority engagement in delivering the National Plan to End Homelessness through the prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping and reduction in the use of unsuitable temporary accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with local areas to support them in understanding their local need and data, providing expert advice around service design and prevention approaches to improve delivery, and supporting the development of local strategies including their action plans and targets.
• Provide challenge to local areas where there is concern regarding performance.
• Oversee and agree improvement plans and accountability measures.
• Champion the intention of the Homelessness Reduction Act and prevention this role will support the adaptation of processes and procedures in local authorities to meet the needs of different cohorts within the homelessness legislation.
• Provide subject matter expert support and across the adviser teams and to designated policy, performance and delivery teams.

• Demonstrates expert knowledge of homelessness, rough sleeping and housing-related support systems, with the ability to assess local delivery arrangements, identify improvement opportunities and support partners to achieve sustainable outcomes for people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
• At least 3 years Senior Management Experience within a local authority setting.
• Strong understanding of homelessness legislation, statutory duties, rough sleeping policy and prevention approaches.
• Knowledge of homelessness pathways, housing options services, temporary accommodation, outreach and multi-agency support models.
• Ability to analyse local system performance, identify barriers to effective service delivery and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Experience of working with local authorities and partners including health, probation, police, DWP, voluntary sector and housing providers.
• Uses data, intelligence and local insight to inform decision-making and drive service improvement.
• Applies a strategic, place-based approach to prevention and rough sleeping reduction activities.

Essential Experience

• Experience of delivering, commissioning, managing or influencing homelessness and rough sleeping services.
• Experience of partnership working across public services and voluntary sector organisations.
• Experience of analysing performance, risk and delivery information to drive improvement.
• Experience of providing advice, challenge and support to senior stakeholders.