Homelessness Prevention & Assessments Team Leader

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Deep expertise in homelessness and housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

• Strong leadership experience managing teams, driving performance, and improving services.
• Excellent analytical, decision‑making and communication skills for complex casework and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to equality, high‑quality customer service, and supporting vulnerable residents effectively

What’s the role?

A homelessness team leader plays a pivotal role in guiding frontline services that support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It’s a position that blends leadership, safeguarding, operational management, and a deep commitment to human dignity. Here’s a clear, structured picture of what the role typically involves.

A homelessness team leader ensures that staff deliver effective, compassionate, and legally compliant support to individuals and families facing homelessness. They act as the bridge between strategic priorities and day‑to‑day service delivery.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone with strong expertise in homelessness and housing law, who can confidently lead a team and make complex statutory decisions. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience improving services, managing staff, and handling high‑pressure casework. They should be an excellent communicator, analytical, calm under pressure, and committed to equality, customer care, and supporting vulnerable residents.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• Relevant formal training with A Level qualification, other professional qualification, or equivalent experience, with knowledge and training which relates to the specific requirements of the job qualification
• Weekend working is required for this job
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Yemi.Coker@lewisham.gov.uk.

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£49,155 - £51,228 per annum per annum (PO3)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (PO3) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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