Strategic Housing Specialist – North East, Ministry of Justice, Barnard Castle – Visa Sponsorship Available

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Strategic Housing Specialist for the North East, based in Barnard Castle, Durham, to support housing outcomes for prison leavers. This pivotal full-time role, offering flexible working, is ideal for Nigerian and African immigrants seeking to build a career in the UK Civil Service, as visa sponsorship is explicitly available for foreign applicants. With a competitive salary ranging from £41,197 to £45,316, this position offers a stable and impactful opportunity within a vital public service.

Job Description

This permanent, non-operational role within the Ministry of Justice focuses on improving access to accommodation for individuals transitioning from prison. The successful candidate will work within Prison Group Director management structures, requiring a strong presence and travel to a cluster of prisons in the North East, including HMP Durham and HMP YOI Deerbolt, to offer strategic housing advice and implement sustainable change.

Key responsibilities include strengthening partnerships with strategic housing stakeholders, Probation Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), and Homelessness Prevention Teams (HPTs). You will champion the delivery of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) and the Duty to Refer (DtR) within prisons, ensuring processes are efficient and effective. This role is crucial in supporting senior leaders to improve data quality related to housing outcomes and upskilling staff to address accommodation needs appropriately, contributing significantly to the Prime Minister’s accommodation target.

Requirements

• Proven experience in strategic partnership working, ideally within housing, homelessness, or criminal justice sectors.
• Understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) and Duty to Refer (DtR) principles.
• Ability to travel frequently to various prison establishments across the North East region.
• Strong communication and influencing skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners.
• A commitment to improving housing outcomes for vulnerable individuals and contributing to public service.
• Applicants must either have the existing right to work in the UK or be eligible for a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, as sponsorship is available for this role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £41,197 - £45,316 with annual progression.
• Generous Civil Service pension scheme and extensive holiday allowance.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the Ministry of Justice.
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits, including discounts and wellbeing support.

How to Prepare

For Nigerian and African immigrants eyeing this Civil Service role, a meticulous approach to your application is key. Ensure your CV is polished, adhering to a UK format, and explicitly highlights any experience relevant to housing, social support, or public service, even if gained overseas. Tailor your LinkedIn profile to reflect your professional aspirations in the UK, showcasing your skills and experience that align with the job description. Craft a compelling cover letter that not only addresses the requirements but also articulates your commitment to public service and your understanding of the challenges faced by prison leavers.

When preparing for the interview, anticipate questions around your strategic thinking, partnership-building capabilities, and understanding of UK housing legislation. For visa-sponsored roles within the Civil Service, be ready to discuss your commitment to the UK and how your skills align with the organization's values. Familiarise yourself with the Ministry of Justice’s mission and values, and be prepared to articulate how your background and aspirations fit within a UK government context.

• Ensure your CV is in a UK-friendly format, highlighting transferable skills and relevant experience.
• Research the Ministry of Justice’s strategic priorities, especially concerning rehabilitation and housing.
• Prepare specific examples demonstrating your experience in strategic partnerships, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement.
• Practice articulating your understanding of UK housing policies, such as the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals in the UK and how this role aligns with them during the interview.

Visa Sponsorship & Foreigner Eligibility

Visa sponsorship is AVAILABLE for this Strategic Housing Specialist position. Foreigners (non-UK residents) who require a UK work visa are explicitly invited to apply. If your immigration status is complex or you have questions regarding eligibility, it is advisable to contact the Ministry of Justice's recruitment team directly for clarification before submitting your application.