East Ayrshire Early Intervention Caseworker

Ayr Housing Aid Centre SCIO, established in 1986 became accredited to provide Type III Free, Independent Housing Information, Advice, Advocacy plus Care Inspectorate regulated Tenure Sustainment Services in 2003. We work with vulnerable service users with our main aim to alleviate poverty and delay/prevent homeless where possible while encouraging and empowering rights and responsibilities.

The I’M IN! SeAscape and AHAC partnership established in 2021 promotes effective referral partnerships identifying risk of homelessness to promote early intervention. Thereafter we evolved to meet crisis demands in 2024-26 providing Tribunal Advice, Representation and negotiation along with dedicated Housing Support to prevent private rented tenants faced with eviction having to move into temporary homeless accommodation.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces new duties called “Ask and Act”, requiring public bodies to identify housing risks early and act to prevent homelessness. The Scottish Government Ask & Act Homelessness Prevention Pilot funding enables local authorities, health boards, housing providers, and third-sector organisations to test and embed these duties in real-world settings, focusing on practical approaches, resource needs, and best practice.

AHAC are part of a Scottish Government funded Pilot Partnership with SeAscape, East Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This partnership will promote a proactive model where Health Visitors will be trained to identify housing risks during routine visits. Thereafter they will confidently ask appropriate questions and act through referral pathways with a key focus on families during vulnerable periods such as postnatal care, domestic abuse or financial hardship.

When risks like rent arrears, threat of eviction or overcrowding are identified, families will be referred to SeAscape for immediate assessment and support, including fast track referral to AHAC accredited housing information, advice and advocacy. This innovative model integrates health and housing expertise to deliver timely, coordinated advice and support, ensuring families receive help before homelessness crisis.

The project aims to:

• Prevent homelessness and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation for families
• Embed “Ask and Act” duties into Health Visiting practice within NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Early Years Children & Families Service
• Enable early intervention and strengthen collaboration between health, housing and third-sector partners

You will provide increased visibility and immediate face to face advice access across 2 East Ayrshire identified areas driven by Health referrals and community need. You will providing a holistic approach working alongside the Pilot Partners including actively linking with other local specialist services and encourage engagement to improve wellbeing and positive outcomes/solutions including early intervention homelessness prevention and alleviation of poverty.

Benefits:

• Extremely rewarding job helping those in housing need
• Small friendly AHAC team environment
• Third Sector, well established and respected charity
• Nest Pension Scheme 30 days holiday/yr

Completed applications should be e-mailed to management@ayrhousingaidcentre.com before closing date of Thursday 15/1/26 at 12 noon.

Those selected for interview will be notified no later than 20/1/25 for interview on Friday 23/1/26