Homeless Support Manager, West Lothian Civic Centre, 501.73

36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Permanent

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen to lead a Homeless Support Team within the Housing Need service in West Lothian. This is a chance for a skilled and motivated individual to take the lead role in making a difference to the lives of people who are experiencing homelessness and require support whilst living in our temporary accommodation.

The role is essential to the delivery of the service aims of finding sustainable long-term solutions to the housing needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the area, and is key to delivering high quality services to avoid crisis.

This role will work as part of the Homeless Support Service management team, in a high demand, high energy service which is customer, solutions and outcome focussed. This role will involve working across West Lothian, managing a team of Tenancy Support Officers providing services in multiple locations including temporary accommodation, homeless units, hotels and those self-accommodating.

You will also be required to take a lead role in working with partner agencies to ensure applicants can access benefits, employment and a range of support for any health issues affecting them due to or as a result of their homelessness.

The teams are based in various locations within West Lothian including the Civic Centre, Blackburn Homeless Unit, Strathbrock Homeless Unit and our Youth Service which will be based in a new purpose-built supported accommodation facility in Livingston

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a driven and energetic individual with proven leadership qualities. You will have a track record in delivering effective management of a high performing team, in a challenging environment. You will have experience of managing income and expenditure, and delivery of savings and efficiencies in working practice and service delivery. You will have experience of designing and delivering a range of hybrid services tailored to the needs of applicants including housing options advice, financial support, employability advice and wellbeing/health.

We are seeking an applicant with outstanding planning, communication and line management skills and can help sustain our strong partnership working with our key partners.

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Does this sound like you?

This post is permanent and will contribute to the direction and performance of the Housing Need Service, which is a busy and agile service, where our people are focussed on getting the best outcomes for our clientele.

The successful candidate will have access to West Lothian Council’s Pool Car Scheme in order to undertake approved business travel.

This position requires registration with the SSSC. The successful candidate will have six months from the date of commencement of this post to become registered with the SSSC. SSSC stipulate you must submit your application within three months of your start date. If you are already registered with SSSC you will be required to add West Lothian Council to your account.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council.