Job Title: Homelessness Prevention Officer - Maternity Cover

Location of post: Mobile Hybrid working/ Neath Civic Centre

Your workstyle will be a mobile hybrid worker in this role which gives you the flexibility to work from home and from a variety of Council workplaces.

About the role:

We are currently seeking a proactive and person‑centred individual to join our team as a Homelessness Prevention Officer, supporting households at risk of homelessness.

The First Point of Contact Team sits at the frontline of Neath Port Talbot’s homelessness response within the Homelessness Assessment, Prevention and Support Service (HAPSS). Our role is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to support people to secure safe, suitable and sustainable accommodation.

A key part of our work is identifying households at risk of homelessness at the earliest opportunity, often before a household is threatened with homelessness within 56 days and before a statutory duty is owed. Prevention Officers play a vital role in this early intervention work, working closely with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to resolve housing issues before crisis point is reached. This includes addressing rent arrears, changes in financial circumstances and other factors that may place a tenancy at risk, with a strong focus on prevention and tenancy sustainment.

The First Point of Contact Team is a supportive, experienced and collaborative team. We work closely with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and a wide range of partner agencies to find practical and sustainable solutions to housing difficulties. The work is fast paced, varied and rewarding, and you will be trusted to use your initiative while being supported through regular supervision and strong team working.

As one team member puts it:

“You can see the difference early intervention makes. When a tenancy is saved and homelessness is prevented because issues are resolved early, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Your daily routine:

Work directly with households at risk of homelessness to understand their circumstances and take early action to prevent housing crisis
Assess financial situations, including income, benefits and rent arrears, and support households with budgeting and benefit maximisation
Liaise regularly with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to help sustain tenancies
Develop and progress clear, practical prevention plans with households, focusing on early resolution and tenancy sustainment
Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with service requirements
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the First Point of Contact Team to identify solutions and share good practice

About you

Do you have:

Experience of delivering a front‑line homelessness or housing‑related service
A working knowledge of homelessness legislation, good practice and the welfare benefits system
Experience of providing financial or budgeting advice to help sustain tenancies
Experience of working in a multi‑agency environment, with an understanding of partner agency roles
Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage your own workload effectively
Effective written and verbal communication skills, with good numeracy and IT skills

You will also hold a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade A–C (or equivalent).

skills and experience

Experience supporting people facing housing difficulties or risk of homelessness
Ability to assess income, benefits and affordability to help prevent tenancy breakdown
Experience working collaboratively with landlords, support services and partner agencies
A professional, non‑judgemental approach, with a clear understanding of confidentiality and safe working practices
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and work independently as well as part of a team

There are no formal qualifications required for this role, as full training will be provided

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Sian Spencer-Jones or Vicky Williams on Phone: 01639 635219 or Email: S.SpencerJones@npt.gov.uk or v.williams@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements: This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure (Adults and Child barred list).

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required.

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.

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