Senior Specialist Housing Advocate

Senior Specialist Housing Advocate

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Specialist Housing Advocate to join our dynamic team, working closely with women who have survived domestic abuse and are in urgent need of housing solutions. You will play a critical role in delivering advocacy, support, and interventions that prioritise survivors' safety, autonomy, and housing needs.

The successful candidate will work across the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea, providing proactive outreach to women with complex needs, including those who are homeless or facing mental health challenges. Your role will involve working closely with key partners such as local authorities, homelessness teams, and housing associations, using your expertise to ensure survivors can access safe and appropriate accommodation.

As a Senior Specialist, you will lead service delivery, support the Service Manager, and supervise a Housing Advocate. You will manage a caseload, support front-line work, and ensure that all processes are compliant with best practices in housing and domestic abuse sectors.

Key Responsibilities Survivor Engagement: Conduct proactive outreach and assessments, ensuring survivors engage with the service and have access to safety plans and housing options. Comprehensive Casework: Deliver high-quality crisis intervention, advocacy, and support, addressing housing, legal rights, welfare, and other urgent needs for women and children affected by domestic abuse. Risk & Safety Planning: Manage risks through safety plans and support survivors in navigating housing and other related systems. Team Leadership: Line manage and support the Housing Advocate, promoting professional growth and ensuring a high level of service. Partnership Working: Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities and housing associations, to improve outcomes for survivors. Data & Reporting: Ensure accurate case recording and contribute to internal and external reports. Monitor service delivery and quality, ensuring best practice. Operational Support: Assist the Service Manager in reviewing procedures, deputise when needed, and ensure that staffing and resources align with service needs.

Knowledge & Qualifications

Relevant qualification/training in areas such as domestic abuse, social work, or housing (Desirable). Excellent understanding of domestic abuse, housing needs, and the impact on women and children (Essential). Knowledge of housing options for survivors of domestic abuse, including homelessness and social/private housing sectors (Essential). Understanding of safeguarding practices and relevant legislation (Desirable).

Experience

Proven experience working with women affected by domestic abuse and supporting their housing needs (Essential). Strong background in project management, partnership working, and stakeholder engagement (Essential). Experience with risk assessments, safety planning, and managing complex caseloads (Essential). Experience of crisis management and delivering support to women with multiple/complex needs (Essential).

How to apply:
To apply, Submit your CV or contact oliver.jefferson@servicecare.org.uk or contact 01772 208962