L4 Housing Options Apprentice (24 month Fixed term contract)

Starting salary for this role is £24,414 (pro rata for part-time colleagues)

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Learn more in our ‘More than just a job’ brochure on our careers site.

.

Housing Options Apprenticeship (Level 4)

Looking for a career with purpose – or ready for a change?

Join BCP Council’s Housing Options service as a Housing Options Apprentice (Level 4), helping to prevent homelessness and support residents in crisis.

Whether you’re at the start of your career or bringing experience from another sector, we’ll develop you into a confident housing professional through real work, structured support and clear progression.

You’ll work towards a CIH-approved Level 4 qualification while learning on the job.

About the programme

BCP Council’s Housing Options service supports residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, combining statutory decision-making with practical problem-solving, prevention work, and partnership pathways.

Join our award-winning apprenticeship scheme and you will:

• Join a single Home Team from day one (e.g. Triage, Prevention, Relief, Rough Sleeping & Complex Single Homelessness, Domestic Abuse, Care Leavers, and other specialist functions) and remain there for the duration of the programme.
• Progress through four practice phases (assisted → supervised → advanced → near-autonomous), with progression based on demonstrated competence and readiness.
• Gain breadth through structured Observational Practice across the wider service, so you understand the full homelessness pathway.

What you’ll do

• Support residents to understand their options and take realistic steps to prevent or resolve homelessness (in person, by phone and digitally).
• Gather and assess information, contribute to personalised housing plans, and produce clear records and written work that show accurate reasoning.
• Work with partners (health, social care, domestic abuse services, probation, hospitals and others) to build pathways and reduce repeat homelessness.
• Contribute to housing supply and sustainment activity (including working with landlords and prevention tools where appropriate).
• Take part in Observational Practice and reflective learning so you can compare what “good” looks like across teams and decision points.
• Complete your Level 4 apprenticeship learning alongside day-to-day work, with regular reviews and structured support.

What we’re looking for

• You want a role with clear purpose, and you can treat people with dignity and respect, even in difficult circumstances.
• You can stay calm and professional with distressed customers, and you understand this work can involve upsetting information.
• You’re curious and analytical: willing to learn legal frameworks, weigh evidence, and explain decisions/actions clearly (including in writing).
• You’re organised and can manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• You’re open to feedback and committed to developing your practice over time.

Essential requirements

• This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016: you must be able to speak and write fluent English (CEFR C2).
• To be eligible for apprenticeship funding you must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years, and have the right to work in the UK for at least two years from the start of the programme. Visa sponsorship is not available.

If you’re ready to start a meaningful career in housing in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we’d like to hear from you.

For an informal chat regarding this post, please email Dan Jones at housingoptions.apprenticeships@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

A recruitment event and interviews will be held w/c 27th July 2026

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work.

We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive.

From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need.

It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer please see here: Preparing for your interview | Working for BCP

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

A Place to Thrive – Join BCP Council

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people.

Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP

Be the difference - Join an organisation that values you

More About us | Working for BCP

Basic DBS

BCP Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the community and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Applicants to this post will be required to complete the appropriate level of Disclosure & Barring Service Check.