Group Leader, Housing Options Team

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Make a difference every day

We’re looking for an experienced, compassionate leader to head up our Housing Options Team. You’ll make sure people at risk of homelessness get timely, trauma‑informed support. In this pivotal role, you’ll uphold statutory responsibilities with fairness and respect, using your vision and leadership to prevent homelessness and enhance housing outcomes for Barnsley’s most vulnerable residents.

For an informal discussion please do not hesitate to contact:

Jez Mitchell: jezmitchell@barnsley.gov.uk

About the role

You will:

• Lead and develop the Homelessness Prevention & Relief / Housing Options teams, setting clear standards and nurturing a supportive, high‑performing culture.
• Manage Queens House overseeing its 24-hour temporary accommodation service for individuals with complex needs
• Deliver our statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, ensuring robust decision‑making, casework quality and compliance with the Code of Guidance.
• Improve outcomes through prevention, early intervention and personalised housing plans, reducing rough sleeping and repeat homelessness.

· Lead the delivery of Barnsley’s Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy, ensuring effective interventions and partnerships that prevent homelessness and support those most in need.

• Own performance and assurance: oversee national data returns, case audit, complaints/learning, and service risks; use data to drive continuous improvement.

· Work in partnership with internal teams, registered providers, health and social care, voluntary sector and people with lived experience.

· Manage budgets and contracts, including commissioned services and temporary accommodation, achieving value for money and safe, legal practice.

• Safeguard adults and children, champion equality, diversity and inclusion, and embed trauma‑informed, strengths‑based practice.
• Represent the council at local and regional forums; prepare concise reports and briefings for senior leaders and elected members.

About you

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership in homelessness/housing advice or closely related services, including line‑management of multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, HRA 2017), the Homelessness Code of Guidance, Domestic Abuse Act duties, and allocations policy.
• Quality casework experience (personalised housing plans, reasonable steps, priority need, intentionality, local connection).
• Partnership skills that build trust and deliver joint solutions, including with people with lived experience.
• Performance and data confidence, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Values‑led practice: empathetic, inclusive, strengths‑based, and committed to safeguarding.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on W/C 26th January 2026