Our Values

It’s great to know that you are interested in working with us at Coventry City Council. As a prospective employee, it is important that everyone who works for us is committed to our One Coventry values and shares our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. 

Our Values are:

About the team we are recruiting to

The Housing and Homelessness Service is a very busy environment  and faces several challenges to meet the housing needs of citizens of Coventry.  The team have grown significantly during the last 12 months and this reflects the fact that Housing & Homelessness are now a key council priority.  

The Housing & Homelessness Service won the Large Team of the year at the prestigious LGC (Local Government Chronicle) awards in 2022 and this reflects the changes that have been implemented over the last 3 years. However, there is still lots to do to build on this and continue to improve our services for people in housing need at a time of unprecedented demand.

The team are responsible for the delivery of the following service functions: 

• Provision of the statutory homeless service 

• Provision of temporary accommodation 

• Management of the housing register 

• Co-ordination of support to citizens rough sleeping 

• Commissioning of homeless services, and  

• Responsibility for housing strategy  

The Council has a strategic vision that is clearly set out in both the Housing & Homelessness and the Rough Sleeping Strategies which were both approved in 2019. 

By becoming part of an expanding team who are focused on preventing households from becoming homeless as well as providing tailored support and interventions when someone does become homeless this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our city. 

What is the job role?

The role of Housing Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) is a new and exciting role in Coventry which will allow you to shape how the service looks and is delivered. You will work within the councils housing and homelessness service, working closely with victims/survivors of domestic abuse. You will hold a caseload that will be made up of people who have approached Coventry City Council for housing assistance, this will require you to have a case management approach, advising on civil and legal remedies as well as housing rights.  

In addition to holding a caseload you represent Coventry City Council at MARAC and be the councils point of contact regarding domestic abuse for West Midlands Police and other related stakeholders.  You will also play an important role in the Councils intention to gain DAHA accreditation. 

This is a fixed term post until March 2025.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
 

Who are we looking for?

Ideally, we are looking for someone with a background in domestic abuse services and with a knowledge of housing and homelessness or related fields.  You will also be expected to work towards a IDVA qualification if you do not currently possess one. 

You will be working with people who will have difficult and often traumatic relationships, so you will need to be empathetic and resilient, but at the same time maintain a professional calm approach.  

We need someone with a strong organisational background, who will be able to advocate for their customers at all levels, from housing management and support services, through to police and the legal system.  

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process' 

Interview date(s): Week commencing 08/08/2022

About Coventry

Coventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be!

There's a huge buzz about the city – Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021 ! We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it.

We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry.

As a council with improvement at its heart, we’re committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We’re equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won’t just be helping the community, you’ll be helping yourself too.

Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too! For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including;

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days
• Pay progression through multiple increments
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Learning & Development with access to certified courses.
• Access to an award winning Occupational Health Team
• Vibrant employee networks 

Coventry City Council