Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rough Sleeping Prevention Adviser
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Rough Sleeping Prevention Adviser
Rough Sleeping Prevention Adviser – Job Description
Locations: Bristol, Darlington, London, Manchester, Wolverhampton
About the Role
This critical role focuses on a local area-based approach to short-term rough sleeping, championing the needs of single people to prevent rough sleeping. You will collaboratively develop and enhance services across multiple sectors, designing effective solutions that transition from crisis-based to preventative intervention.
Key objectives align with the national homelessness strategy, advocating for:
- Reform of rough sleeping verification and service delivery to prioritise assessment of needs over immediate housing status
- **Alignment with the Homelessness Reduction Act to prevent and relieve homelessness for single people classified as non-priority
- Resource allocation based on support needs, not just emergency housing provision
The role is field-based, requiring travel across regions (including overnight stays) to build trust-based relationships, monitor progress, and accelerate systemic change. Comfort with regular travel and flexible working is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Service Development & Strategy
- Facilitate sector-wide collaboration to move away from verification-centric rough sleeping services, embedding the Homelessness Reduction Act framework.
- Provide expert guidance and leadership on service design, assessment tools, and engagement strategies for single rough sleepers.
- Develop local action plans and performance targets, challenging underperforming areas addressing gaps in preventing homelessness.
- Coordinate with colleagues to provide a unified approach across adviser and policy teams from MHCLG.
Stakeholder Engagement & Requirement Advocacy
- Establish trusted relationships with local authority managers, commissioners, providers, and voluntary organisations.
- Promote understanding of research, policy, and operational intelligence to drive improvement within housing, health, legal, and welfare sectors.
- Subject-matter expertise includes delivering targeted support across regional teams and policy specialisms to directly improve service delivery.
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Person Specification
Core Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of homelessness prevention systems and modifications to rough sleeping intervention pathways.
- Experience leading, designing, and delivering prevention-focused programs (direct or through commissioning).
- Track record of multi-agency collaboration, especially across housing, health, probation, DWP, local government, and voluntary sectors.
- Ability to translate policy and evidence into actionable improvements for local authorities.
- Profound understanding of relevant legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act, statutory interventions, and preventative pathways.
Core Success Profile Behaviours
Professional Standards
- Working Together: Builds high-trust partnerships with authorities, health providers, probation, and voluntary sectors. Convincingly influences systemic change.
- Communicating & Influencing: Clearly articulates complex issues, delives constructive feedback, and challenges senior stakeholders collaboratively.
- Deliver at Pace: Managing multiple local relationships, navigating competing priorities to drive continuous improvement.
- Leadership: Applies expertise as a role model, pursues evidence-based practice, and supports sector-wide learning.
Additional Information
Benefits
- Salary: £58,092 (full-time)
- Additional Civil Service pension contribution: £16,829
- Access to partisan benefits including staff benefits schemes, childcare vouchers, flexible working policies, and industry-leading career development opportunities.
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Selection Process
Applicants must submit a merged CV and cover letter through the application portal, demonstrating:
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Stage 1 – Sift (CV & Cover Letter):
- Reasoning for interest in the role.
- Alignment with essential skills, experience criteria.
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Stage 2 – Interview:
- Behavioural assessment on:
- Communicating & Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Experience questions based on the job description.
- Strengths and situational presentations (5-minute guidance given pre-interview).
- Behavioural assessment on:
- Sift timings: Week commencing 20th July 2024
- Interviews: Week commencing 03rd August 2024 (remote via videocall).
Key Safety & Policy Considerations
Security & Compliance
- Required Security Clearance: Counter-Terrorist Check (BPSS) + additional London-specific checks.
- Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) baseline check mandatory.
Nationality & Employment Rights
Accessible to:
- UK/EU nationals, Commonwealth citizens with UK rights.
- Non-EU nationalities with EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled/settled status.
- Limited leave holders who qualified for EUSS by December 31, 2020.
- Occasionally, Turkish nationals with proven UK work entitlements.
Civil Service Code and anti-discrimination principles apply—advances are made on merit.
Disability Support Program
Becomes a Disability Confident Employer. Equal opportunities and individual accommodations encouraged.
Further details under: Application Guide
Nicola Forsdyke Job Contact Email: Nicola.Forsdyke@communities.gov.uk Recruitment Enquiries: recruitment@communities.gov.uk
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