Housing Allocations Officer

Job Title:

Housing Allocations Officer

Department:

Housing Choice and Supply

Division:

Residents Services

Reporting to:

Rehousing Manager

Location:

Southwark

Salary:

£25.37 LTD £21.31 PAYE

Purpose of the Job

We are looking for a Housing Allocations Officer to join a local authority’s Housing Choice and Supply team. This role focuses on administrating the local Lettings policy in relation to a regeneration scheme, coordinating the allocation of new build properties, and working closely with internal teams and external partners.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Attend meetings with relevant project officers to ensure the accurate flow of information for property allocation.
2. Use housing management software (e.g., Northgate) to run reports confirming households within the local lettings areas.
3. Liaise with Voids and Lettings teams to ensure correct property details are received.
4. Update property information on housing systems to make properties available for offer and ensure the correct residents are considered for allocations.
5. Work with the applications team to ensure eligible residents are verified and active for bidding.
6. Ensure properties are allocated within target timescales and quotas set by senior management and policy.
7. Prevent fraud by conducting investigations at the point of offer.
8. Coordinate property marketing with internal teams and ensure that adverts go live as scheduled.
9. Oversee the offer stage of the allocations process, including making offers in line with local lettings priorities and sending offer letters to residents.
10. Prepare and interpret reports and statistical information related to lettings on the regeneration scheme.
11. Manage correspondence and enquiries related to the allocations process, responding within departmental timeframes.
12. Perform additional duties as required, such as assisting in priority application registrations and maintaining records.

Person Specification:

Knowledge and Qualifications

1. Previous administrative experience in housing (Desirable)
2. Experience in roles requiring judgment on individual cases (Essential)
3. Understanding of allocation procedures (Essential)
4. Experience of allocations in a large local authority (Desirable)
5. Knowledge of housing legislation related to tenancy matters and allocations (Desirable)
6. Experience using housing management software (Desirable)

Skills and Competencies

1. Ability to work with computerised allocations systems (Essential)
2. Ability to prepare reports and interpret statistical information (Desirable)
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholders (Essential)
4. Excellent organisational and planning abilities (Essential)
5. Analytical skills for solving complex issues (Essential)
6. Ability to maintain accurate records (Essential)

Additional Requirements

1. Commitment to equality in employment and service delivery (Essential)
2. Compliance with confidentiality rules under the Data Protection Act and Council policy (Essential)

Job Context:

1. Reports to: Rehousing Manager (Housing Solutions Service)
2. Key Contacts: Internal - Housing Department staff, Councillors, external - MPs, advice agencies, service users' representatives
3. Health & Safety: Ensuring personal safety and health compliance with Council standards.
4. Equality: Promote and apply the principles of equality in all aspects of employment and service delivery.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a pivotal regeneration project within a supportive, collaborative environment. If you are passionate about improving housing allocations and working with diverse communities, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join this local authority and contribute to a thriving community!

Please call 01772 208966 or email george.westhead@servicecare.org/uk