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 flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- 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: Access & Allocations Specialist in Truro employer: CIH International Housing Group
Cornwall Council is dedicated to being an employer of choice, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The hybrid working arrangements further enhance work-life balance, making this role an excellent opportunity for those passionate about housing needs in Cornwall.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Needs Officer: Access & Allocations Specialist 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 vulnerable households and your understanding of the local housing landscape.
✨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 would handle challenging behaviours and provide empathetic support to customers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. 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: Access & Allocations Specialist 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 show empathy in your writing. Remember, you're applying to help people, so convey your passion for making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Council's allocations policies and the Homechoice service inside out. Brush up on the Housing Act 1996, especially Parts VI and VII, as well as social housing processes. This knowledge will show that you're serious about the role 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. Think about times when you've handled challenging behaviours effectively – this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Agencies
Get to know the voluntary and statutory agencies in Cornwall that can support customers. Be ready to discuss how you would liaise with these organisations and signpost customers appropriately. This shows that you’re proactive and understand the wider support network available.
✨Tech Savvy is Key
Since the role involves using the Council's IT systems and specialist software, make sure you're comfortable with general administrative tasks and have good keyboard skills. If you have experience with similar systems, mention it during the interview to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
