Housing Allocations & Lettings Officer

Description

Our local government clients in Ilford, Greater London, are seeking an Allocations & Lettings Officer to allocate accommodation in line with Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, specifically to registered provider homes, and to allocate permanent homes in line with the Housing Allocations Scheme through the choice-based lettings system. Complete direct matching processes for those with medical needs (including delayed discharge of care cases), under occupiers, management transfers, and sheltered applicants. Verify the applications of the final shortlisted applicants for permanent properties.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive housing advice on housing options for applicants to the housing register awaiting rehousing and to those allocated homes. Allocate temporary accommodation, prevention and PRSOs in line with the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and suitability assessment. Handle temporary accommodation, prevention, and PRSO properties, complete sign-ups, and provide appropriate advice to customers.

Qualifications – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• NVQ level 4; HND; BTEC Professional; and equivalent qualifications, or demonstrable experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

Criteria for Shortlisting - About You - Desired Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of the law relating to homelessness as covered by the 1996 Housing Act and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Knowledge of the Children's Act and the Care Act, as this social care legislation interacts with housing and homelessness issues
• A good knowledge of the Welfare Reform Act
• A good knowledge of the housing allocations as covered by the Housing Act 1996, Part VI
• A good level of knowledge of housing allocation as covered in Part VI of the 1996 Housing Act, case law, codes of guidance, and Housing Allocations policy
• Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Children's Act, the Care Act and the Welfare Reform Act.
• Understanding of access to social housing locally
• Awareness of issues facing local authority housing and the initiatives to respond to them
• Experience of working in a demanding front-line customer service environment
• Experience in dealing effectively with confrontational and challenging situations  
• Experience of working with vulnerable customers and providing appropriate support
• Experience in carrying out interviews, investigations, and negotiations
• Able to keep accurate records and keep information systems up-to-date.
• Ability to use IT – Microsoft Word, Excel, and housing packages.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including face-to-face, telephone advice and letter writing.  
• Able to convey complex advice and concepts simply and understandably to customers
• Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to problem-solving

Compliance Requirements

• 3 Years References
• Enhanced DBS Disclosure Required
• Willing to engage in the Pre-Engagement Questionnaire and mandatory pre-screening application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public-sector provider, is acting as the employment Business for this vacancy. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.