At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for customers, ensuring timely care and support.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a collaborative and compassionate organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Familiarity with finance, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council
Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB – Hybrid
Salary: £25,185 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 18.5 hours per week, fixed days Monday and Friday plus half day either Tuesday or Thursday.
Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council , we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. As a Business Allocator in Home First , you\’ll find opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and shape the future of Suffolk.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
Acting as the first point of contact for our customers in a time sensitive, deadline driven environment, working calmly under pressure to ensure everyone receives high quality care and support
Assisting with the allocation and monitoring of customer visits for front line Home First staff
Fully utilising the Allocations System to ensure work is assigned effectively across all front line team members
Reviewing capacity and staff workloads regularly (with guidance), making necessary adjustments to maximise the service\’s overall capacity
Working with a range of referral sources to ensure all requests for Home First services are accurately recorded, actioned, allocated and monitored in a timely and efficient manner.
You will:
provide a first line telephone response to incoming calls via the triage duty system, resolving requests where possible and escalating complex or urgent calls to area team leaders
monitor Reablement Support Workers\’ capacity and working hours, highlighting any issues to the Allocations Co ordinator to ensure staff time is used effectively and downtime is kept to a minimum
oversee the Allocations System, reporting any concerns promptly to the Allocations Team Leader to reduce workflow blockages and maximise Home First practitioner capacity
ensure customers are allocated as quickly as possible to minimise waiting times for assessment, reablement or domiciliary care.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The teamHome First provides a short-term period of ongoing assessment, care, and support to people living in their own homes. The focus of this is to enable our customers to achieve as much independence as possible. This may be following a stay in hospital, an illness or crisis at home or help to avoid an admission into hospital.
As part of this team, you will work towards the Suffolk County Council\’s vision and Adult Social Care\’s priorities to promote better outcomes for residents of Suffolk.
Empowering EveryoneWe\’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more informationPlease contact Fiona Rivers for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 07856927128 or emailing fiona.rivers@suffolk.gov.uk .
How to applyStep 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 – Click Apply Now to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Tell us about a time you worked in a fast paced, time sensitive environment. How did you prioritise tasks and ensure accuracy under pressure?
Tell us about a time you had to deal with a challenging or complex customer query over the phone. What was the situation, and how did you ensure a positive outcome
Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively as part of a team to prevent errors or resolve workflow issues. What was your contribution, and what was the result?
Give an example of when you showed initiative to improve a process or make work more efficient. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412 .
You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you\’re invited to the next stage, you\’ll have another chance to request adjustments.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 1 March 2026.
Interview date: Monday 9 March 2026.
Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you\’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Business Allocator employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Allocator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Suffolk County Council and its Home First team. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to handling calls, managing priorities, and supporting colleagues. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Allocator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the role and how your skills fit in.
Craft Your Supporting Statement Carefully: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Answer the questions thoughtfully, using real examples from your experience. Keep it personal and authentic – we want to hear your voice!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since collaboration is key for us at Suffolk County Council, highlight any experiences where you’ve worked with others to achieve a common goal. We love seeing teamwork in action!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Suffolk County Council's values and the specific responsibilities of a Business Allocator. Brush up on financial regulations and business procedures relevant to the role, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact for customers, effective communication is key. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to handle calls and resolve queries efficiently. Think about times when you’ve successfully managed high volumes of calls or dealt with challenging situations.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Prioritisation
The role requires juggling multiple tasks, so be prepared to discuss how you manage competing priorities. Share specific strategies or tools you’ve used in the past to stay organised and ensure deadlines are met, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of the Home First team. Be ready to talk about your experience working with others to achieve common goals. Highlight any change initiatives you’ve contributed to and how they led to improved outcomes, showcasing your ability to work well within a team.