Homeless Prevention Employment Specialist (HPES)

Do you have the experience of supporting projects and are you keen to help residents in our county thrive? If so, you may be the perfect fit for our Homeless Prevention Employment Specialist (HPES) - in the Employability and Skills team at East Sussex County Council.

You will support residents who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to secure and sustain paid employment. Using supported employment principles aligned to the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), you will provide personalised, employment-focused support with paid work as the core outcome.

You will manage a caseload of participants and support them into sustained paid employment, and work with housing teams, support services and community organisations to maximise referrals. You'll work in partnership with DWP, local authorities, education providers and the voluntary sector, and will build relationships with employers and broker job opportunities. The role involves supporting participants with in-work progression, benefits transitions and practical barriers, whilst maintaining accurate records and contributing to monitoring and reporting.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a working knowledge of Employability & Skills
• Is confident working with vulnerable adults and complex needs
• Can communicate clearly and build positive relationships
• Is confident managing a varied caseload and competing priorities effectively
• Is comfortable using IT systems to record and analyse information
• Is able to travel across the County to support participants

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.

Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information.

Interviews will take place at County Hall in Lewes on Thursday 5^th & Friday 6^th March 2026 and will be in the form of a face-to-face interview. If you are unavailable on this date, please let us know, and we may be able to schedule another time. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

This role offers the chance to support the delivery of impactful projects, drive change, and work in a supportive environment. You’ll also have access to training and development opportunities.

We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Michael Selmes, Delivery Manager, on michael.selmes@eastsussex.gov.uk or Sarah Knight, Homeless Prevention Employment Broker, sarah.knight@eastsussex.gov.uk to request an MS teams call or phone call.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.