Position
Allocations and Verifications Officer (SO2) – Housing
Location
332 Brixton Road, London, Lambeth, SW9 7AA (Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office)
Start Date
ASAP
Contract Duration
12 weeks (Temporary)
Working Hours
35 hours per week
Pay Rate
PAYE: £23.51 per hour
Job Responsibilities
- Manage housing allocations and verification processes in line with the Council's statutory responsibilities under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996
- Process applications for council housing, transfers, and social housing efficiently and accurately
- Advertise available properties through the Choice-Based Lettings scheme
- Shortlist applicants and make property offers in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme and related policies
- Verify housing applications by carrying out detailed assessments and investigations, including home visits where required
- Ensure all housing applications meet eligibility and qualification criteria before approval
- Work collaboratively with housing providers, including ALMOs, Registered Social Landlords, and Housing Associations, to maximise the effective use of available social housing
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with partner organisations and internal teams
- Produce accurate management information, reports, and performance data
- Support a joined-up approach by working closely with colleagues across Housing and other Council departments
- Carry out both allocation and verification duties as directed by the Allocations and Verifications Team Manager to meet service needs
- Maintain accurate case records and update housing systems
- Respond to customer enquiries, correspondence, and requests for information
- Meet service performance targets and deadlines
- Follow council policies on safeguarding, equality, data protection, health and safety, and customer care
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- Knowledge of housing legislation, particularly:
- Housing Act 1996 Part VI
- Housing allocation policies and procedures
- Choice-Based Lettings processes
- Understanding of social housing allocations and verification procedures
- Experience working in housing allocations, housing verification, or a similar housing service
- Experience investigating housing applications and making evidence-based decisions
- Experience working with Housing Associations, Registered Social Landlords, ALMOs, or other housing providers
- Experience maintaining accurate records and using electronic housing systems
- Experience preparing reports and performance information
- Experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners
- Experience working to targets and deadlines
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to assess housing applications and make evidence-based decisions
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain housing policies and procedures clearly
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied workload
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and housing management systems
- Ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Good problem-solving and investigative skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Qualifications
- No mandatory qualification required
- Relevant housing qualification or equivalent housing experience is desirable
Other Requirements
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
- Willingness to undertake home visits where required
- Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs
- Commitment to continuous learning and service improvement
Job Reference: OR110792
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Pay: £23.51 per hour
Application question(s):
- Have you worked within a UK local authority housing department, Housing Association, ALMO, or Registered Social Landlord? Please specify the organisation(s).
- Have you carried out home visits as part of housing assessments or verification processes?
- This role is hybrid, requiring 2 days per week in the office at 332 Brixton Road, London, SW9 7AA. Are you able to meet this requirement?
- Are you available to start ASAP and commit to a 12-week temporary contract working 35 hours per week?
Experience:
- housing verification: 2 years (required)
- Choice-Based Lettings: 1 year (required)
- housing allocations: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
