Assistant Housing Officer

InstaStaff are currently recruiting for an Assistant Housing Officer to join the supported housing division of one of the largest councils in the UK.

This role will be on a long-term temporary basis and based out of the office in Tyseley.

As an Assistant Housing Officer, the role will include 2 visiting days per week, case management, face to face working, and Anti-Social Behaviour knowledge is required for this role, as you will be dealing with challenging and difficult individuals.

The duties of the Assistant Housing Officer will include:

1. To assist the Housing Officer to deliver a consistent, excellent, reliable, customer focused Housing Management undertaking the full range of housing management duties which may vary according to the size and profile of the area.
2. Using prevention, early intervention, education and enforcement approaches, ensure the proper management of council tenancies in accordance with the company's Tenancy Conditions and Management policy and related procedures, and in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory codes, guidance and professional practice.
3. Contribute and help deliver, where directed, the provision of a multi-agency/partnership problem-solving service around people, property, place, and sustaining tenancies.
4. Be assigned, as part of a flexible and responsive housing service, to designated service areas, projects or issues according to the needs and priorities of the business.
5. Case manage and maintain accurate case management and other administrative records according to the required standards and procedures using appropriate IT systems.
6. Investigate and respond to complaints and enquiries within corporate standards and timescales.
7. Assist the Housing Officer to prepare and present reports to internal and external audiences on the performance of the activities under your control and make recommendations on a course of action where appropriate.
8. Assist with the investigation and response to public liability claims, complaints and enquiries and provide reports to the housing officer using relevant case management systems.
9. Assist with the carrying out of surveys, site visits and inspections, collation of data and production and presentation of reports.
10. Undertake programmed and responsive tenancy visits to the company’s properties as directed.
11. May be deployed to the street scene visiting role, working in neighbourhoods and engaging with tenants/citizens to improve and maintain clean and green neighbourhoods.
12. Carry out activity that supports enforcement action.
13. Attend meetings with customer groups to help assess the ongoing requirements of the housing service and determine appropriate actions to respond to findings.
14. Work with customers and staff to ensure the proper management of council tenancies in accordance with policy and in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory codes, guidance and professional practice and internal policy and procedures.
15. Take appropriate action when tenancy conditions have been breached, including recognizing and reporting potential housing fraud and acting on outcomes/actions recommended by Birmingham Audit.
16. Meet all relevant key performance indicators and individual targets and objectives.
17. Assist residents by giving advice on Council services and signpost customers to the appropriate internal and external agencies, ensuring that any safeguarding issues/concerns are reported accordingly and escalate concerns and issues to Housing Officers where appropriate.

Provide advice and assistance on all aspects of the housing service during customer interactions including face to face interviews, home visits, telephone calls, online, email and written correspondence, social media, community meetings and council business meetings. Contribute to the production of regular newsletters, annual reports, and social media postings.

1. Inform residents on changes to welfare benefits to minimize their impact and provide signposting and, where appropriate, give general advice and guidance on welfare benefits, reform, budgeting and income maximization to enable tenants to sustain their tenancy, including known opportunities for upskilling and employment.
2. Participate with multi-agency forums and, where appropriate, support the Housing Officer where Housing acts as lead agency regarding housing, environment, children and adult issues.
3. Be aware of and give information on the range of housing offers within the city to assist in meeting housing needs such as new build provision, registered social housing and private rented sector activity, mutual exchange schemes and home options.
4. Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with the Data Protection Act, Human Rights Act, and the Equalities Act.
5. Respond to all telephone enquiries in a polite and helpful manner following the company's telephone protocol.
6. Be aware of, follow and implement the company's safeguarding policies and procedures.
7. Ensure that all working practices, methods, materials, uniforms, PPE and equipment conform to the requirements of current Health and Safety Legislation and appropriate safe working practices are implemented, including identifying health and safety training needs for staff and services under your control.
8. Ensure information systems are updated with appropriate data to support performance monitoring and effective service delivery.
9. Encourage and support resident participation and involvement in the company’s activities in delivering a comprehensive landlord service.

The ideal Assistant Housing Officer will have:

• Experience within a similar role.
• Anti-Social Behaviour experience.
• Experience of case management.

The hours of the Assistant Housing Officer will be 36.5 hours per week, flexible to suit the role.

The salary for the Assistant Housing Officer will be GBP25,908 per annum, GBP13.65 per hour.