Rough Sleeper Support & Resettlement Officer x 2 posts. Ref: 56-25

Salary: Grade 9, starting at £25,539 per annum
Hours: Full time, 37 per week
Basis: Permanent
Place of Work: Office based in Dereham and Thetford, working remotely from home or on site across the Breckland district

Make a real difference. Change lives. Shape futures.

Do you love working with people, solving problems and creating positive change? This role could be exactly what you're looking for.

As a Rough Sleeper Support and Resettlement Officer, you'll be out in the community delivering hands-on outreach to people sleeping rough and supporting individuals living in temporary or supported accommodation as they journey from homelessness to secure, sustainable tenancies. Every day brings something new—and every day, you'll know you've helped someone move forward.

Why Join Us?

At Breckland Council, we don't just follow the direction of modern local government—we set it. We're bold, forward-thinking and always looking to improve the way we serve our communities.

We empower our staff with:

• A strong commitment to your personal and professional development
• The tools, trust and freedom to truly own your role
• Excellent employee benefits including:
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Free office parking
  • Flexible working for most roles
  • When you join us, you're joining a team that genuinely cares—about you, your growth and the people we support.

About You

People naturally warm to you because you're clear, genuine and truly listen. You're empathetic, compassionate and driven to help others move forward. Building rapport doesn't feel like work—it's just who you are.

You're also:

• Confident making decisions and taking responsibility
• Calm under pressure and exceptionally well-organised
• Detail-focused with an eye for accuracy
• Flexible and able to re-prioritise as things change
• Happy following clear guidelines but always curious about how things can be improved

Most importantly—you're passionate about delivering the best possible service for our clients.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you'll become a vital part of someone's journey toward stability and independence. You will:

• Deliver outreach to identify, engage and support people sleeping rough
• Support individuals in temporary or supported accommodation, helping them understand their options
• Build strong partnerships with housing providers and key agencies
• Help clients move on to long-term accommodation, supporting them to settle and maintain their tenancy
• Assist with income, benefits, budgeting, and link clients with education, employment or specialist support
• Work in a person-centred way, building confidence, independence and long-term resilience

Every action you take helps someone rebuild their life. That's impact you feel daily.

Ask Yourself... Is This You?

If you're someone who thrives on meaningful work, loves connecting with people from all walks of life, and wants to be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team—then yes, this role is absolutely for you.

• Be the reason someone sleeps safely tonight
• Be the support that helps them believe in tomorrow
• Be part of something that genuinely matters.

Please see the job description and person specification for more a comprehensive list of duties and for the qualities needed.

If you would like an informal chat regarding this role please contact Beki Stephenson, Rough Sleeper Support and Resettlement Team Leader, by emailing

beki.stephenson@breckland.gov.uk

Please note that if you only send a CV you are unlikely to be considered for interview, as this will not provide us with enough information.  Instead, please complete a supporting statement that shows how you meet the person specification criteria, which are detailed in the job description.

Closing date

9 am on Monday 30^th March 2026.

Interviews:

Thursday 9^th or Friday 10^th April 2026

Please be aware that if you are selected for this role there will be a requirement to undertake a DBS check as part of pre-employment checks.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer, recognising the benefits of sustaining a workforce which reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applications from anyone who feels they meet the requirements of our vacancies - these are listed as essential requirements on the person specification.

Job summary

Description of duties

• To provide a range of support to clients in temporary accommodation, an outreach service for rough sleepers or those likely to be rough sleeping, across the district of Breckland. This includes verification of new rough sleepers, facilitating drop-in sessions, welfare benefits advice, tenancy support and to work with other agencies to promote and safeguard the welfare of clients in temporary accommodation.
• To establish and maintain contact with residents in temporary accommodation liaising with Housing Solutions Officers and other agencies to ensure any support needs are identified. To facilitate reconnections for rough sleepers to the services and areas most appropriate for them.
• To signpost residents to appropriate support agencies to ensure effective tenancy sustainment and intervene where necessary to ensure that residents have appropriate support and advice to claim benefits.
• Perform robust assessments relating to the clients housing and resettlement needs to guarantee referrals are made to the most appropriate agency to ensure the required support is provided such as substance misuse, welfare rights and immigration services.
• To make subjective and objective complex judgements to arrive at logical solutions based on customers housing circumstances using a client centred approach to access the most appropriate ongoing accommodation and housing options. Supporting those in temporary accommodation with the focus on preventing repeat homelessness.
• Carry out regular checks that residents are correctly banded on the Housing Register and are bidding through Key Select, encouraging them to bid and supporting those who need additional help to do so.
• Support residents to access supported accommodation where the Council does not have an ongoing accommodation duty, including making referrals to specialist supported housing and where necessary accompanying residents to interviews for accommodation.
• To support clients with maximising income, claiming benefits, eligibility issues (i.e. NRPF), debt management, accessing education, employment, and training, etc.
• Practical help with setting up a new home including help to arrange and attend viewings, secure funding for furniture and fittings, white goods, setting up utilities, moving in, support with budget planning and ongoing regular support to maintain the accommodation. 
• To carry out interventions when a tenancy is at risk of breaking down including eviction from the family home or friends and/or negotiating with private sector or social housing landlords to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• To liaise with accommodation providers in relation to any issues relating to resident's behaviour and provide support where necessary to ensure residents understand the consequences of any breach of accommodation conditions including in relation to the Council's ongoing duties towards them.
• Identify and manage risk presented to self, colleagues and service users using appropriate preventative and recording tools in order to identify and reduce possible future risk and adhere to lone working procedures.
• Assist the Rough Sleeper Support and Resettlement Team Leader with the co-ordination and implementation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) including checking weather forecast and attending SWEP accommodation to support the providers and liaise with service users as required. 
• To ensure compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices, with recommendations for action and continuous improvement and to keep up to date with policies and procedures on a national and local level aimed at reducing rough sleeping.
• To be responsible for keeping and maintaining up to date and accurate client records, making file notes and liaising with other officers as necessary. To be able to compose, deliver, and be held accountable for the production of information, data collection and accurate records to enable managers to inform MHCLG, internal and external partners of the current caseload and outcomes.
• To demonstrate good practice of the Council's safeguarding procedures and policies. To promote safeguarding awareness with service users and multi-disciplinary colleagues. Keeping up to date with current safeguarding guidance and practice and to take a positive risk-taking approach to ensure the well-being of vulnerable people.
• Adopt a flexible working pattern, including early-morning and evening outreach, to engage rough sleepers and maintain contact with current caseload.
• The post holder will be required to meet the physical and travel/mobility requirements of the post. It is essential to maintain a vehicle for use within and outside the district in accordance with Council policy and to make home and out of office visits, often at short notice, as required.
• The post holder will be required to communicate with clients, rough sleepers, members of the public, colleagues within Housing and other departments, elected members, registered providers and other landlords, voluntary and statutory agencies. This may include using translation services where needed.
• Responsible for Council provided laptop, mobile phone and any other IT devices provided.
• To attend training and development opportunities to ensure knowledge and skills are maintained and are current.
• To undertake all other responsibilities expected of the post.

This job description is not exhaustive.

The job description outlines the current position and will be subject to review in the light of development within the service, in consultation with the post holder as detailed in your Contract of Employment.

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Experience of working with rough sleepers or vulnerable clients as well as in depth understanding of the issues around rough sleeping.
• Up to date knowledge of policies and procedures on a national and local level aimed at reducing rough sleeping.
• Demonstrates a flexible approach to work and contributes positively within a team environment.
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, local authority partners, statutory and voluntary sector agencies to achieve best outcomes.
• Experience of using negotiation and/or diplomacy skills to resolve problems.
• Experience of dealing with demanding and challenging people in difficult/sensitive situations, demonstrating resilience to the emotional demands of the post.
• Experience of carrying out needs and risk assessments and creating support plans
• Active listening skills, ability to communicate and negotiate clearly, explaining complex ideas simply and clearly.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and a wide range of office ICT applications.
• Good standard of verbal and written communication skills and experience of accurate data management.
• Able to work on own initiative, self-motivated, enjoys setting goals and targets for themselves and achieving them.
• Knowledge, understanding and commitment to the importance of equal opportunities and service delivery.
• Have an empathetic manner and resilience to the emotional demands of the post.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a customer facing environment giving information or advice both in person and in writing
• General knowledge of housing issues particularly regarding allocations, homelessness, housing advice.
• Experience of working in the housing sector
• Good knowledge of services, welfare benefits and support available to applicants experiencing housing problems.
• An understanding of the complex interdependencies of mental health and substance abuse and offending behaviour.
• Knowledge of Homeless Legislation and other relevant legislation i.e. Care Act, Children's Act.
• Good knowledge of landlord and tenant law
• Commitment to life-long learning and continuous professional development
• Experience in analysing and organising information.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level in both Maths and English
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Housing qualification, degree level education or equivalent through relevant training / experience.

Essential Behaviours

Collaborative:

• I look for ways to work in partnership and listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge
• I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input
• I make sure people feel trusted, valued, informed and supported ​​​​​​​

Ambitious:

• I always ask myself 'How could we do this better?', taking ownership of change and helping others to understand, adapt, implement, and embed it
• I take ownership of change and help others to understand, adapt to, implement and embed change
• I am motivational and drive positivity, taking an optimistic approach and engaging others ​​​​​​​

Results Driven:

• I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions; I am driven, showing courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan
• I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan
• I am flexible ensuring I provide the best possible service, wherever and whenever is best for the customer ​​​​​​​

Empowering:

• I show energy and drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo - acting on opportunities to generate income or reduce costs, embracing new technology and promoting digitalisation
• I ask for help and support when needed, and take responsibility if things don't go well, learning from it for my own and for the organisation's development
• I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development ​​​​​​​

Supportive:

• I treat others as I would want to be treated myself ensuring I am welcoming, friendly and approachable
• I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me, and give time to colleagues who need help or support
• I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience. ​​​​​​​

Health & Safety (exposure to risk)

The post is exposed to occasional unavoidable risks including:

• Visits to properties that are 'filthy' and/or verminous, or with trip/slip hazards or outdoor sites in adverse weather conditions.
• This post will regularly deal with potentially aggressive clients who may be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• The post primarily focuses on dealing with people that have complex needs and the post-holder needs to be aware of the associated risk and work to the Council's lone worker procedures.
• Exposure to some personal and sensitive data and records which could affect mental well being.

Mental Demands

• This post will be demanding due to the nature of the client group who often have multiple and complex needs with chaotic lifestyles.  The post will be challenging, and the post holder will need to demonstrate resilience and the ability to work within a pressurised environment.
• The post requires the successful candidate to deal sensitively with customers who may be vulnerable and/or emotional and situations that may be challenging, demanding and stressful, but still require clear and logical decisions to be made to bring matters to an acceptable conclusion.  
• The role is led by service demand and, at times, is likely to require regular re-prioritisation of existing workload to cope with unpredictable peaks in demand for the service in order to deal with this and manage customer expectation whilst maintaining professionalism at all times. This means that the role can regularly be mentally and emotionally demanding.

What's it like to work for us?

We are passionate about our people and pride ourselves on being a great place to work, we genuinely care and know that a happy workforce is a productive and motivated one! If you're still not sure, here are some stats from our 2024 staff survey to convince you..

• 94% said they feel trusted and empowered
• 90% of staff recommend Breckland as a great place to work
• 89% said they have had opportunities to learn and grow in the last 12 months
• 94% think Breckland provide positive action on health and wellbeing
• 91% said they felt supported by their manager

If you STILL need convincing, here's what some of our staff say...

• "Breckland is a fantastic employer, lots of opportunities and support"
• "Having only just started, it is a great place to work, everyone says hello, is smiley and chatty. I like the groups that are on, like carers shed and neurodiversity"
• "We are encouraged to take regular breaks and there are mental health first aiders and a wide range of good promotional aspects of healthy living and wellbeing."
• "In times of need the council offers excellent support."
• "BDC really does seem to care about the wellbeing and happiness of their staff."

At Breckland Council we have embraced the Government's agenda to modernise local government. Our approach is to lead change rather than follow it, and to add the best value we can to our communities. We achieve this by developing our employees to their full potential, providing them with the relevant knowledge, equipment, and authority to carry out their duties.

We are a dynamic and innovative organisation that is always testing and learning as we seek to continually improve. We have never stood still in response to the emergence of new opportunities, changing customer demands, and ongoing funding challenges. We have exciting plans for how to deliver the best possible services to our residents and businesses.

Breckland as a district is a special place nestled in the heart of rural Norfolk, spanning over 500 square miles of beautiful countryside and forest, with five Market Towns and over 140,000 residents. We care, we listen, and we support people and businesses within our district. We have big ideas and we are innovative in our approach, coming up with ways to meet the needs of the local communities that we serve. Through our actions, we want to make things better.

But we know that we can't do it alone. We are a collaborative organisation and we work together with others to make a greater impact. We are also an organisation where our employees can grow and develop and are empowered to achieve and succeed. We are proud of our area, and by driving investment and enabling opportunities, we can maximise its full potential. We want to inspire aspiration to live, work, visit, or do business here: we want our district to be one of choice.

We will support and enable growth and change in our thriving, welcoming places where people and businesses choose to be, knowing their ambitions can be not just fulfilled but exceeded. By listening to people, by understanding what they need and by working together, we can shape what we have to offer. By doing so, we can benefit those who are already here and those who choose to come to live, work, visit, or do business.

We offer excellent conditions of service, including:

• A local government pension scheme (14 per cent employer contribution).
• Attractive holiday package (25 days increasing after three years' continuous Local Authority service by one day per year up to the maximum of 28 days, plus bank holidays)
• Free car parking.
• Remote-enabled working arrangements.
• A newly refurbished office. See what it is like working here by watching this short film: 
  

Our commitment to talent development, on the job learning and upskilling, training and professional memberships, will keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

Ready for your next challenge?

If you would like an informal chat regarding this role please contact Beki Stephenson, Rough Sleeper Support and Resettlement Team Leader, by emailing

beki.stephenson@breckland.gov.uk

Please note that if you only send a CV you are unlikely to be considered for interview, as this will not provide us with enough information.  Instead, please complete a supporting statement that shows how you meet the person specification criteria, which are detailed in the job description.

Closing date

9 am on Monday 30^th March 2026.

Interviews:

Thursday 9^th or Friday 10^th April 2026

Please be aware that if you are selected for this role there will be a requirement to undertake a DBS check as part of pre-employment checks.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities employer, recognising the benefits of sustaining a workforce which reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applications from anyone who feels they meet the requirements of our vacancies - these are listed as essential requirements on the person specification.

APPLY ONLINE