Job Description
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.
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