At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate affordable housing development in rural Wiltshire by engaging with communities and stakeholders.
- Company: Community First, a dedicated organisation supporting local communities for over 60 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for extension and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join us to create brighter futures through innovative housing solutions in rural areas.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for community engagement and experience in housing or project management.
The predicted salary is between 32164 - 32164 £ per year.
Salary: £32,164 FTE (£17,624 pro rata for 20 hours)
Hours of work: 20 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends (Open to Job share or associate)
Contract: Fixed term until the end of March 2027 with possible extension
A bit about us: Community First has been supporting Wiltshire and Swindon communities for 60 years. Our team goes the extra mile to create brighter futures for those living and working in the county. Putting people first is at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for an enthusiastic facilitator who can bring together professional stakeholders and communities to help plan for a better future through appropriate small-scale housing development. You will be working in partnership with local communities and Local Authorities to achieve affordable rural housing across rural Wiltshire.
You will engage with communities, housing organisations, Parish Councils, Local Authorities, landowners, developers, agents, planners, other partners and community leaders to bring forward sites and solutions to meet local need through the provision of affordable housing projects on rural sites.
Main Duties:
- Support, advise and steer communities, and town and parish councillors from their initial interest in providing affordable housing, through scheme inception and pre-development phases to completion.
- Contribute to the delivery of the Action with Communities in Rural England Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) programme through active cooperation and consultation across the network, including participation in meetings and knowledge sharing (with a focus on collaboration with neighbouring Counties such as Dorset and Somerset).
- Attend training and development activities, contribute to policy consultations, and provide timely advice and support in response to requests from network members.
- Assist communities identify the nature and extent of affordable local housing need in their community, including where appropriate through a Housing Needs Survey.
- Support rural communities to choose a delivery option that best suits their capacity and in the knowledge of the availability of local technical support.
- Assist communities identify a deliverable site for development of affordable housing and/or secure affordable housing as part of market led schemes.
- Work with communities to build and maintain support for the scheme, ensuring the community is meaningfully engaged throughout the pre-development process, including during scheme design.
- Work collaboratively with Wiltshire Community Land Trust (WCLT), where appropriate, to support the development and delivery of community-led housing initiatives and affordable rural housing schemes.
- Building collaborative partnerships with key partners to provide a clear pathway to a successful planning application and delivery.
- Act as an honest broker between the different parties, providing informed and impartial advice.
- Support Neighbourhood and Community Plan groups implement their proposals and policies for delivering rural affordable housing.
- Create a supportive policy and political environment for rural affordable housing by providing training and advice to key stakeholders.
Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Rural Housing Enabler in Devizes employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Community First is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Wiltshire and Swindon. With a strong focus on community engagement and collaboration, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local housing needs while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities. Join us in our mission to create brighter futures for rural communities, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Housing Enabler in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local communities, housing organisations, and councils. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for rural housing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or stakeholders, share your enthusiasm for affordable housing and community development. Let them see how much you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations like Community First directly through our website, express your interest, and ask about any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges in rural housing, so you can discuss how your skills can help them achieve their mission during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Housing Enabler in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Work:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through. We want to see how you can bring people together and make a real difference in rural housing.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in housing development or community facilitation. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Community First.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Rural Housing Enabler role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific rural communities you’ll be working with. Understand their unique housing needs and challenges. This will show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference and that you’ve done your homework.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Rural Housing Enabler, you'll need to work with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different groups, such as local authorities or community leaders. Highlight how you facilitated discussions and built consensus.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like engaging a reluctant community or navigating planning regulations. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Affordable Housing
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for affordable housing initiatives. Share any relevant experiences or projects that reflect your commitment to this cause. This passion can set you apart from other candidates and resonate well with the interviewers.
