At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a team delivering home improvement grants and bring empty homes back into use.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary supporting diverse communities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant administration and performance management required.
The predicted salary is between 57495 - 59574 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Do you have detailed knowledge and experience in the delivery of disabled facility grants and home improvement loans? Do you have experience and knowledge of regulating and bringing empty homes back into use? Do you have experience in performance management? Are you skilled in leading and motivating a team?
Managing a busy disabled facilities grants (DFG) and home improvements service with up to 9 direct reports. The role also includes regulating and bringing empty homes back into use, with direct line management of the councils empty homes officer. You will support the Head of Service restructuring the DFG team to optimise and improve service delivery, implement a new IT system and deliver DFGs and home improvement loans within statutory and guidance timescales. In addition, you will oversee the allocation of the annual DFG budget, ensuring it is fully utilised and that all spending achieves value for money.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
You will have experience in the administration of grants and adaptations, with an excellent understanding of relevant grants legislation and guidance. You will be experienced in performance management and will be able to ensure that DFG/discretionary grant referrals are completed within statutory/guidance timescales with quality and consistency. You will have excellent communication, interpersonal and case management skills. You will also have an understanding and working knowledge of empty homes legislation, including the options available to local authorities to bring them back into use.
The job is primarily based in Lawrence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions: HNC/HND in construction, surveying or similar is desirable (or willing to work towards). Certificate of competency in performing HHSRS assessments and hazard identification is desirable (or willing to work towards). Trusted Assessor Level 4 Certificate is desirable (or willing to work towards). The job is subject to a basic DBS check.
Salary: £57,495 to £59,574 per annum (P06). N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Housing Improvement & Assistance Programme Manager employer: Lewisham Council
Join Lewisham Council as a Social Worker and be part of a team that truly makes a difference in the lives of children and young people within our vibrant, culturally diverse community. With excellent training and development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and family-friendly policies, you will thrive in an environment committed to championing the rights of all children. Located conveniently in Catford, with easy access to transport links, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Improvement & Assistance Programme Manager
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Lewisham Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Lewisham Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Improvement & Assistance Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Lewisham Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Lewisham Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Lewisham Council.
