Allocations Support Officer - WMF3178e

Allocations Support Officer - WMF3178e

Job description

Location: Barrow-In-Furness

Contract Type: Permanent, 18.5 hours per week

A role that truly changes lives

Following an exciting restructure of our Housing Team, we are delighted to offer several new opportunities - including this rewarding role within our Housing Landlord Service.

If you are proactive, enthusiastic, and motivated to make a real difference, and you enjoy working with and supporting customers, this could be the perfect role for you.

About this opportunity

This is a key role supporting the assessment and administration of housing applications, ensuring applicants receive a fair, efficient and transparent service. You will be responsible for processing applications, verifying information, assessing eligibility and housing need, and maintaining accurate records in accordance with housing allocations policies and relevant legislation.

Working closely with applicants, housing officers and partner agencies, you will help ensure social housing is allocated fairly and efficiently to those most in need.

In this role, you will:

• Assess and process housing register applications and changes in circumstances.
• Verify applicant information and supporting evidence.
• Determine eligibility and priority in line with the Council's Allocations Policy and relevant legislation.
• Maintain accurate case records and update housing management systems.
• Respond to enquiries from applicants, providing advice and guidance on housing options and allocations processes.
• Support the administration of property advertising and allocation procedures.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to gather information and progress applications.
• Ensure service standards, performance targets and statutory requirements are met.
• Identify and escalate complex cases where appropriate.
• Advise customers/tenants of the help and support available

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference. You will be joining a flexible, supportive, and responsive Housing Team where we work collectively to deliver the best outcomes for our residents.

Who we are looking for…

We are seeking someone who is:

• An excellent communicator on all levels with a strong ability to listen and build effective and meaningful relationships, including developing partnerships with external agencies
• Has experience in housing administration, customer services, or a related environment.
• Good knowledge of some or all aspects of the service area and housing policy.
• Knowledge and understanding of service standards and performance criteria.
• Has strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Is confident managing a varied workload and meeting deadlines.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Possesses excellent IT skills and ability to use IT systems

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference. You will be joining a flexible, supportive, and responsive Housing Team where we work collectively to deliver the best outcomes for our residents.

Why Join Us?

• Play a direct role in improving lives and strengthening communities
• Work in a positive, supportive, and flexible environment
• Help shape and grow an exciting and impactful service
• Access opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team where your skills are valued, we’d be delighted to receive your application.

Whilst this post is based in Barrow, you must have the ability to travel efficiently around the Westmorland and Furness area to conduct visits and attend meetings.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 18th October 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Individuals may be required to have Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in place for this role, dependent on access to specific government systems, which does include a Basic DBS check. The recruiting manager will discuss the requirements for this appointment, with the successful candidate.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.