Homeless Prevention & Assessment Apprentice

Job Description

***If You are a Contingent (Agency) Worker, please click here to apply for this job.***

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

You will have the opportunity to work in various services within the team including projects around the housing register, housing initiatives, medical and lettings supporting our service users and partners.

What’s the role?

We are looking for an apprentice to join the busy Homeless Prevention & Assessment team for a period of 18 months. We are the team that works on the following:

• Prevent homelessness through assessments and advice
• Create personalised housing plans (PHPs)
• Provide housing advice and negotiate with landlords
• Support residents to sustain tenancies and prevent eviction
• Offer financial help such as DHPs, deposits, and budgeting support
• Refer people to supported housing and specialist services
• Arrange temporary accommodation when legally required
• Work with rough sleepers through outreach and multi‑agency support

The successful candidate will assist with administrative task to help improve the service and in particular ensure that housing files are properly prepared and redacted for legal purposes.

The successful candidate will be able to work collaboratively with members of the housing teams and other departments both internal and external to the Council. Most importantly, you will have the skills to positively engage with members of the public.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Gain a housing qualification
• Earn London Living Wage
• Gain work experience
• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

You should have passion and drive and be willing to learn quickly. There is currently an unprecedented demand on Housing Services and it is important that you will be able to prioritise your workload, carrying out essential administrative duties with ease.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• Answer the application questions
• Be over the age of 16 (there is no upper age limit)
• Be a Lewisham borough resident (the electoral register will be used to verify this information)
• Have full residency entitlement, there must be no restrictions on your status in the UK (all successful candidates will need to produce their passport once a job offer is made)
• Have the minimum number of qualifications required as stated in the relevant job description (all potential applicants will be expected to attend an initial assessment session).

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact fergus.downie@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Please click here to view the Assessment Apprentice Questions

Salary

£27,010 per annum (LLW)

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media:

LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram