Caseworker - Home Improvement Agency

Westmorland and Furness Council; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension

Enhanced annual leave

Job summary

Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a proactive individual to join the Home Improvement Agency team, delivering Disabled Facilities Grants across Barrow‑in‑Furness. You will handle referrals, support residents and coordinate with OT, contractors and partners to ensure timely outcomes.

Strong IT skills, empathy for vulnerable residents and the ability to manage data for statutory reports are essential. The role offers flexible, supportive teamwork within the Housing Service.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage with a wide range of people
• Empathy and understanding when working with vulnerable individuals and families
• Strong IT skills and comfortable managing data for statutory reports and funding requirements
• Organised, proactive and committed to delivering high‑quality services
• Ability to organise work and prioritise workloads to meet deadlines
• Understanding of housing services, policies, and legislation, especially regarding Disabled Facilities Grants
• Experience working in multi‑agency environments
• Ability to build strong external partnerships and maintain effective relationships

Responsibilities

• Deliver Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) across the Westmorland and Furness area as part of the Home Improvement Agency (HIA) service
• Deal with customer enquiries, offer advice, and process grant applications
• Provide support to the HIA team and triage enquiries from initial referral to completion of works
• Work closely with Occupational Therapists, Contractors, Technicians and other professionals
• Build relationships with Housing Associations, Landlords, Contractors and wider partners
• Keep up to date with legislation and policy changes

Job description

About this opportunity

Working as part of our dedicated HIA service, you will help deliver Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) across the Westmorland and Furness area. Your work will directly support older, disabled, and vulnerable residents to live safely, independently, and comfortably at home.

In this role, you will:

• You will be part of a team delivering a comprehensive and efficient Home Improvement Service, including the Handyperson Service and supporting our customers through the Disabled Facilities Grant process
• Deal with customer’s enquiries offering advice, and process grant applications.
• You will also provide support to the HIA team
• Deliver a high‑quality service from initial referral through to completion of works, triaging enquiries
• Work closely with Occupational Therapists, Contractors, Technicians, and other professionals
• Build strong relationships with Housing Associations, Landlords, Contractors, and wider partners
• Keep up to date with legislation, and policy changes.

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.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Flexible and dynamic to support the Home Improvement Agency team based in Barrow.
• Have the ability to organise your work in a logical manner and prioritise workloads effectively to meet deadlines
• An excellent communicator who can confidently challenge, negotiate, and engage with a wide range of people
• Empathetic and understanding when working with vulnerable individuals and families
• Organised, proactive, and committed to delivering high‑quality services
• Skilled in IT and comfortable managing data for statutory reports and funding requirements
• An understanding about housing services, policies, and legislation — particularly within the private housing sector and Disabled Facilities Grants
• Confident working in multi‑agency environments
• Familiar with Disabled Facilities Grants (desirable but not essential)
• Able to build strong external partnerships and maintain effective working relationships

Above all, you will bring ambition, energy, and a collaborative approach to help continue growing and promoting our Home Improvement Agency.

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

Interview date: From the 6th October 2026

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 [e-mail].

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.

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.