Exempt Housing Administrator
We are looking for a reliable, organised, professional and efficient Exempt Housing Administrator to support the day-to-day running of our housing service and assist the Area Manager with general administrative and operational duties.
This role would suit someone with previous housing administration experience, a good understanding of Housing Benefit and welfare benefits, strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.
Working Days & Hours – STRICT REQUIREMENT
- Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
These days and hours are FIXED and NON-NEGOTIABLE.
- There is no flexibility to change, swap or alter the working days or hours.
- The successful applicant must be available to work Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am–5pm ONLY.
- No alternative working pattern can be accommodated.
- Excellent timekeeping is essential. You must be punctual and ready to begin work at 9:00am.
Key ResponsibilitiesHousing Administration
- Provide efficient and professional administrative support for the housing service.
- Maintain accurate housing and resident records.
- Deal with general housing enquiries professionally and appropriately.
- Manage paperwork, electronic records and correspondence.
- Ensure administrative tasks are completed accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Work independently and use initiative while knowing when matters need to be escalated.
Room Availability
- Monitor and maintain accurate records of room availability.
- Keep records updated when rooms become occupied, vacant or unavailable.
- Respond professionally and accurately to enquiries regarding room availability.
- Communicate changes promptly to the relevant staff members.
Maintenance
- Take responsibility for receiving and reporting maintenance issues.
- Identify, record and report maintenance problems to the appropriate contractor or responsible person.
- Follow up outstanding maintenance issues where required.
- Keep accurate records of maintenance requests and actions taken.
- Communicate professionally with residents, contractors and management regarding maintenance matters.
- Recognise urgent issues and ensure they are escalated appropriately.
Housing Benefits & Welfare Benefits
- Have a good working knowledge and understanding of Housing Benefit and other relevant welfare benefits.
- Knowledge and experience of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and other benefits is highly desirable.
- Deal confidently with benefit-related enquiries.
- Understand how benefits can affect residents' housing costs and rent accounts.
- Applicants should have existing knowledge and experience, as extensive training in benefits administration will not be provided.
Communication & Customer Service
- Send professional, clear and well-written emails.
- Answer telephone calls in a professional, polite and helpful manner.
- Deal confidently with questions and enquiries from residents, staff, contractors and other relevant parties.
- Have a clear and good understanding of spoken and written English.
- Be able to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.
- Remain calm, professional and courteous when dealing with difficult or challenging situations.
IT & Administration Skills
The successful candidate must already be confident and competent using:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- PDF documents
- Printers
- Scanners
- Photocopiers
You must be able to independently create, edit, save and manage documents and spreadsheets, as well as print, scan, copy and electronically save documents.
No basic IT training will be provided for Word, Excel, PDF, scanning or printing. Applicants must have these skills from the start of the role.
Health & Safety & Lone Working
- Have a good understanding of health and safety responsibilities within a housing environment.
- Follow all relevant health and safety procedures and safe working practices.
- Understand the risks associated with lone working.
- Follow agreed lone-working procedures, check-ins and emergency arrangements.
- Identify and report health, safety, security or safeguarding concerns promptly.
- Recognise when a situation is unsafe and know when to seek assistance or escalate a concern.
Supporting the Area Manager
- Support the Area Manager with onboarding new staff.
- Assist with new starter paperwork, documentation and general administrative arrangements.
- Provide general administrative support to the Area Manager.
- Carry out general errands and practical tasks as required.
- Assist with a variety of reasonable administrative and organisational duties.
- Follow instructions accurately and complete tasks efficiently and within agreed timescales.
Personal Qualities & Essential Skills
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- Excellent timekeeping and reliability
- Strong organisational skills
- Efficiency and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision
- Professional telephone manner
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Clear understanding of spoken and written English
- Confidence dealing with residents, staff, contractors and other professionals
- Good judgement and the ability to escalate issues appropriately
- A professional, helpful and approachable manner
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Willingness to take responsibility and use initiative
- Ability to complete tasks promptly and accurately
Right to Work
- Applicants must have long-term/ongoing right to work in the UK.
- Applicants must be able to provide appropriate evidence of their right to work when required.
- Short-term or time-limited permission to work may not be suitable for this position, as we are looking for someone able to provide long-term continuity in the role.
Important – Please Read Before Applying
This role requires someone who is experienced, reliable, organised and able to work independently from the outset.
The working pattern is strictly Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. There is no flexibility with these days or hours.
Applicants must also already be confident using Word, Excel, PDF, printers and scanners, as basic training in these areas will not be provided.
A good understanding of housing, Housing Benefit, welfare benefits, maintenance reporting, room availability, health and safety and lone working is required.
You must also have a clear understanding of spoken and written English and have long-term right to work in the UK.
If you cannot commit to the specified Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am–5pm working pattern, this role will not be suitable.
Pay: Up to £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
