Position
Allocations & Lettings Officer
Location
Lynton House, 255-259 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1NY
Start Date
ASAP
Contract Duration
12 weeks – 3+ Months (Temporary contract) - Subject to business needs
Working Hours
36 hours per week
Pay Rate
PAYE: £21.71 per hour
Job Responsibilities
- Allocate council and Registered Provider homes in line with the Housing Allocations Scheme and Housing Act 1996 Part VI
- Manage property allocations through Choice Based Lettings, including shortlisting, checks, and nominations
- Complete applicant checks, including affordability, eligibility, local connection, and suitability
- Match applicants to suitable properties, including:
- Medical needs
- Hospital discharge cases
- Adapted homes
- Under-occupiers
- Management transfers
- Sheltered housing
- Arrange property viewings and support customers through the letting process
- Allocate temporary accommodation, prevention properties, and PRSO accommodation in line with council policies
- Complete sign-ups, provide housing advice, and update customer records
- Manage refusals of temporary accommodation and make decisions on homelessness duty where required
- Provide advice on housing options, including mutual exchange, mobility schemes, private rented options, and homelessness prevention
- Maintain accurate case records and update housing systems
- Update Personalised Housing Plans and customer information
- Explain housing policies, tenancy options, and the impact of refusing offers
- Work with council teams, Registered Providers, health services, social care, and external agencies
- Deal with customer enquiries, complaints, and correspondence
- Identify support needs and make appropriate referrals
- Attend meetings and support service improvements
- Meet performance targets for allocations, lettings, and temporary accommodation
- Follow council policies on safeguarding, equality, data protection, health and safety, and customer care
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- Knowledge of housing allocations and homelessness legislation, including:
- Housing Act 1996 Part VI
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Housing policies and guidance
- Understanding of social housing, housing options, and homelessness prevention
- Knowledge of welfare benefits affecting housing decisions
- Experience working with vulnerable customers and people with complex needs
- Experience working in a customer service, housing, or public sector environment
- Experience dealing with challenging situations
- Experience carrying out interviews, assessments, investigations, and negotiations
- Experience keeping accurate records and using electronic systems
- Experience working to targets and deadlines
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to assess information and make suitable housing decisions
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain complex information clearly
- Good organisation skills and ability to manage workload
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and housing systems
- Ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information
- Ability to work with people from different backgrounds
- Good problem-solving skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Qualifications
- No mandatory qualification required
- Level 4 qualification or equivalent housing experience is desirable
Other Requirements
- Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
- Willingness to attend meetings and work flexibly when required
- Commitment to learning and improving services
Job Reference OR110441
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: £21.71 per hour
Experience:
- housing allocations, homelessness, or housing service: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
