Housing Allocations Officer

Description

Our Berkshire local government clients seek a Housing Allocations Officer. To provide advice and assistance on the Allocations Scheme and Nominations Agreement. Ensure all housing legislation and regulations are adhered to in the context of housing allocations. 2 days in office, 3 days remote.

Responsibilities

To be responsible for the allocation process through to the matching of properties; To make decisions on housing register applications, determine the application status, and award a band. Where necessary to cross-reference with all housing advice approaches, as part of a wider housing solutions service, to allocate accommodation to households in line with the Housing Allocation Scheme through the direct matching system, including administering the direct matching process for groups such as those with medical needs (including delayed discharge of care cases, under-occupiers and homeless cases); To coordinate the input of void and new build properties from Housing Associations. To implement a choice-based letting module.

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.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• 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.
• 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.
• Practical experience of NEC (Northgate), Civica, Jigsaw (in allocations/housing register context) and Choice-based Lettings.
• 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.