At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Housing Team to deliver top-notch housing services and support.
- Company: Join North Devon Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engaging work environment with a focus on customer care and legal compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant housing qualifications and experience in managing teams.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 45091 € per year.
Location: Barnstaple
Basis: Full time
Salary: £38,220 - £45,091 per annum
Contractual hours: 37
North Devon Council’s Housing Team is looking for a reliable, experienced Service Lead for Housing to become part of a busy Housing Team. You will ensure the effective operation and delivery of the Council’s Housing services in accordance with its statutory duties.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supervising, motivating and supporting the Housing Teams to deliver a high quality, cost‑effective and customer focused service
- Ensuring that the housing advice, homelessness and temporary accommodation team functions meet legal requirements and ensure Council policies and procedures are adhered to in an effective and consistent manner, including providing complex advice and guidance to the Service Manager (Housing) and Councillors
- Working closely with the Residential Housing Team ensuring that the placements are working well from a welfare and property perspective and supporting each other when required
- Monitoring and control of expenditure/income and recovering debt within the Council’s financial framework, ensuring that policy and procedures are followed and working closely with the Finance team to ensure efficient debt recovery
- Developing, in collaboration with the Service Manager (Housing), new policies, procedures and strategies in line with changes in legislation/guidance and customer demand
- Undertaking case reviews, appeals and complaint investigations within the prescribed timescale
- Developing new initiatives to improve the customer focus and/or reduce service costs
Ideally you should have:
- A relevant professional membership and qualification such as Chartered Membership CIH (Degree or Post Graduate Certificate/Diploma accredited by the CIH), plus ILM Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management or commensurate experience/achievement management experience of staff and contractors
- Detailed working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Part VI and VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017), Renters' Rights Act 2025 and associated guidance understanding and empathy towards customers with housing support, health and social care needs
- Ability to interpret legislation, case law, guidance and policy in order to make accurate and informed decisions
- Working knowledge of landlord and tenant law, benefit regulations, health and safety regulations, the Care Act and the Mental Health Act
- Knowledge of Data Protection and Information Sharing Agreements
This post requires a Standard DBS check.
Interview Date: 18 June 2026
If you have not heard by the interview date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
North Devon Council believes in valuing diversity and is committed to equal opportunities.
Service Lead (Housing Advice, Homelessness, Temporary Accommodation) in Barnstaple employer: North Devon
North Devon Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about making a difference in housing services. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on delivering high-quality, customer-centric services, staff can expect ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives that directly impact the community. Located in the picturesque town of Barnstaple, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle amidst stunning natural surroundings while being part of a dedicated team that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead (Housing Advice, Homelessness, Temporary Accommodation) in Barnstaple
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching North Devon Council and its housing services. Understand their policies and recent initiatives. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to housing advice and homelessness. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe that a little courtesy can set you apart from the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead (Housing Advice, Homelessness, Temporary Accommodation) in Barnstaple
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about specific achievements and how they relate to housing advice and homelessness. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in your past roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us see your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and makes a great first impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Devon
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and its amendments, as well as the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also understand the legal framework that underpins it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and supported teams in the past. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in delivering high-quality services. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Housing Teams effectively.
✨Understand Financial Management
Familiarise yourself with budget management and debt recovery processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled financial frameworks in previous roles, as this is crucial for ensuring the Council’s policies are adhered to.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
Think about initiatives you've developed to improve customer service or reduce costs. Be prepared to share these ideas during the interview, as showing empathy towards customers with housing support needs is key to this role.
