At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find homes and support vulnerable households in Cornwall.
- Company: Join Cornwall Council, dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Understanding of housing policies and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working within the housing options service to maintain and operate the Council's housing register and the administration of the Cornwall Homechoice choice-based lettings scheme. To provide advice and assistance to applicants as required enabling people to access accommodation. To identify potentially vulnerable households and make appropriate referrals to Housing Options, other relevant agencies or under safeguarding procedures. As a Housing Needs Officer, you will have a key role in assisting the transformation of service delivery to those in housing need within Cornwall. Working with the Head of Service, colleagues from across the Council and a range of partners, the role will deliver a single allocations scheme across the county. The Housing Needs Officer will be at the forefront of the delivery of this service and will be key to providing equality of service regardless of location. This is a public/customer-facing role, where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies. This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.
Working Pattern
This is a full‑time role for 37 hours per week over five days, Monday to Friday. Flexi‑time arrangements are in place. Currently under hybrid work arrangements between Council office bases and home working.
What you’ll need to succeed
- Understanding of the Council's allocations policies, the Homechoice service and the relationship with other housing providers and Registered Social Landlords.
- Understanding of Housing Allocations legislation and homelessness legislation, particularly the Housing Act 1996 Parts V1 and V11.
- Understanding of social housing and void management processes.
- Previous experience of working within the housing field and an understanding of accessing social housing is desirable.
- Good awareness of the range of voluntary and statutory agencies that can provide support to customers; liaison with these agencies and signpost customers appropriately.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
- Displays empathy and patience when dealing with customers, and deals appropriately with challenging behaviours when required.
- Proven skills in all aspects of general administrative work, particularly keyboard and IT skills to make full use of the Council's IT systems, including specialist software.
- Education to GCSE standard, Grade 'C' and above in English and Maths, or equivalent.
What you’ll get in return
Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high‑performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff to help provide a greater work/life balance whilst ensuring that service needs are met.
- A competitive salary.
- A defined benefit pension scheme based on career average earnings, with an option for extra voluntary contributions.
- A generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave.
- A national award‑winning employee health and wellbeing programme.
- An employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services.
Additional Information
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Equal Opportunities
Fairness and inclusion are at the heart of our vision for Cornwall. In order to best serve our communities, we are striving to achieve a diverse workforce that is inclusive of all backgrounds, cultures and identities; e.g., race, disability, sex, gender reassignment status, age, religion and sexual orientation. We are an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, and we will assess applicants on their merits. Cornwall Council is committed to safeguarding and following safer recruitment principles to help ensure our staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children, young people and adults at risk. It is a vital part of creating a safe and positive environment and a commitment to keeping all service users safe from harm.
Housing Needs Officer in Truro employer: CIH International Housing Group
Cornwall Council is dedicated to being an employer of choice, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefit pension scheme and generous annual leave, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work/life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in transforming housing services across Cornwall and be part of a team that values diversity and equality.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Needs Officer in Truro
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Cornwall Council's housing policies and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for helping those in housing need and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interpersonal skills! Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident when discussing how you handle challenging behaviours and support vulnerable households.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Needs Officer in Truro
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what a Housing Needs Officer does. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Show Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on relevant roles or situations where you've dealt with housing issues or customer service. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of housing allocations and your ability to support vulnerable households.
Be Personable:Since this is a public-facing role, let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone in your application and showcase your interpersonal skills. Remember, empathy and patience are key traits for this position, so don’t shy away from sharing how you’ve used these in past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at Cornwall Council and ready to make a difference in the community!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Council's allocations policies and the Homechoice service. Understanding the Housing Act 1996 and how it relates to your role will show that you're serious about the position and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Housing Needs Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable households. Prepare examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and patience in previous roles. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Agencies
Get to know the voluntary and statutory agencies in Cornwall that can support customers. Being able to discuss how you would liaise with these organisations during the interview will demonstrate your proactive approach to helping those in need.
✨Tech Savvy is Key
Since you'll be using the Council's IT systems and specialist software, make sure you're comfortable with general administrative tasks and have a good grasp of keyboard and IT skills. Mention any relevant experience you have with similar systems to give yourself an edge.
