We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
The Housing and Homelessness Service is a very busy environment and faces several challenges to meet the housing needs of citizens of Coventry. The team have grown significantly during the last 12 months and this reflects the fact that Housing & Homelessness are now a key council priority.
The team are responsible for the delivery of the following service functions:
Provision of the statutory homeless service
Provision of temporary accommodation
Management of the housing register
Co-ordination of support to citizens rough sleeping
Commissioning of homeless services, and
Responsibility for housing strategy
The Council has a strategic vision that is clearly set out in both the Housing & Homelessness and the Rough Sleeping Strategies which were both approved in 2019.
By becoming part of an expanding team who are focused on preventing households from becoming homeless as well as providing tailored support and interventions when someone does become homeless this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our city.
Our ValuesIn line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?A new national programme has been launched which seeks to evidence what interventions can be successful to end rough sleeping and reduce homelessness in England. The Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI) are administering the programme on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). The aim of the programme is to run a series of trials and rigorous evaluations that will test innovative ways to end rough sleeping and reduce homelessness.
As a local authority we are excited that we have been selected to be part of this amazing opportunity – we are therefore seeking dynamic individuals to help us deliver the project.
Working out of city centre locations this new team will work closely with partners, including Cyrenians, Central England Law Centre and the City Council Migration and Rough Sleeping Teams, providing time limited accommodation and support to non-UK Nationals who are rough sleeping.
The new team will be made up of:
This role, a Senior Outreach Worker role (Grade 6) who will be responsible for overseeing the Test and Learn Project and acting as the link point to identify and manage flow into and out of the project, liaising with their staff team, the project Solicitor, Home Office worker and other relevant local service professionals.
Two Outreach Workers (Grade 5), managed by the Senior Outreach Worker working within the Rough Sleeping and Migration Teams supporting individuals through the process and supporting them to address both immigration and wider challenges.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for?We are looking for someone who can drive the project and keep it on track:
Managing people and projects, including the collection of data and research for reports
Knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by people rough sleeping, including adults those with no recourse to public funds or multiple and complex needs
Excellent communication and ‘people skills’
Excellent negotiating and advocacy skills
Creativity and flexibility in your working
Good administration and time management skills
This management role will oversee the day to day running of the Non-UK Nationals Test & Learn Project and support the Rough Sleeping Manager in ensuring the work remains on track, is delivered effectively and on time.
You will directly line manage one of the Navigators, be the link worker to the project Solicitor and Home Office Worker and be responsible for capturing data and writing reports.
The role may involve working some unsociable hours and relies on the whole team working flexibly as necessary.
There is a large research element to the project and actively capturing achievements and learning is a vital aspect of all roles.
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
Are currently in care or have previously been in care
If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date(s): Monday 14th October or Tuesday 16th October
About CoventryCoventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
