Staying Close Housing Officer
(Leaving Care Service, MarketPlace, South Shields)
£33,699 pa
Fixed Term contract for 1 year through DFE funding which is reviewed annually
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Staying Close Housing Officer to be part of our Leaving Care team and South Tyneside Homes team. Following a successful focussed Ofsted visit in March 2022 to the integrated team, the inspection highlighted that workers are dedicated and committed and are clearly proud of our young people and that most young people supported by the service have long lasting, trusting relationships with PA’s and support is tailored to young people’s individual needs and wishes. Inspectors also highlighted that there was evidence of very strong partnership working with South Tyneside Homes to deliver an improved accommodation offer for young people leaving care and moving into independence.
This is an exciting time to work for South Tyneside Council where there is a real commitment and passion in delivering outstanding services to care leavers. Through a culture of innovation and DFE funding we have been successful in securing the resources to further bolster and develop our offer to young people via an enhanced staying close model and framework.
This role would support the success of the staying close model and add unique diversity to an already well-resourced and experienced partnership between leaving care and South Tyneside Homes. The successful applicant will support practice development in the service and partnership, to achieve sustainable change.
The Staying Close Housing Officer will have a key role in ensuring the effective delivery of the staying close model within South Tyneside and enable us to offer “staying close” housing options in a timely way. The post holder will have a key role with on the ground delivery in brokering effective solutions to accommodation and sustainment for those care experienced people whose accommodation plan is for or already within a South Tyneside Home provision.
Working across key partners, you will support the expanding menu of housing solutions and utilise early identification of a bespoke pathway to each person’s accommodation plan, aligned with the person’s aspirations. You will work with agencies and partners to inform a range of accommodation solutions including building upon the current trainer flat option, shared housing, and clusters.
You will promote accommodation options and stability through use of coordinated and tracked pathways for individual care experienced people. You will develop and sustain relationships with key partners, sharing thematic analysis of relevant information in which to influence the wider housing strategy. You will link with local trust and charities to boost practical and financial support for care experienced people setting up home. You will contribute to development of a modular system of a life skills programme, enabling care experienced people to access and maximise advice and guidance in a way that suits them.
You will provide responsive and tangible support in situations of housing crisis to avoid evictions and support planned transitions.
As we are committed to enhancing the service and offer to young people, the role will require a flexible approach to providing support to young people outside of office hours as required.
We welcome an informal discussion if you would like to know more about the teams and our service. To arrange an informal discussion. Please contact managers,
Mark Basley [email protected]
Team Manager Leaving care or
Hayley Diamond [email protected]
Housing Options & Homelessness Manager
We offer an excellent benefits package and further information is available here - www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere
South Tyneside Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be sought along with other relevant pre-employment checks.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
To view our Privacy Notice please visit: https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants
Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
Closing date: Noon, Sunday 16 August 2026
Interviews will take place on Thursday 3 September 2026 