Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• This role provides vital support to the Housing Register, Allocations, and Temporary Accommodation service in delivering a responsive, customer-focused housing service to residents in need.
• The post holder will manage daily temporary accommodation placements, assist in the allocation of permanent housing (including social and intermediate housing), and help maintain the housing register and transfer lists.
• Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role involves supporting clients to access and sustain accommodation, providing accurate advice on housing options, and contributing to the effective administration of housing policies in line with statutory duties and local procedures.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Manage daily bookings and placements into temporary and emergency accommodation, including for households with complex needs.
• Support the case-by-case allocation of permanent housing in line with policies and priorities, minimising void and re-let times.
• Provide accurate, holistic housing advice to applicants, signposting them to suitable housing options and support services.
• Maintain and update client records and housing applications using LOCATA and other housing management systems.
• Monitor client bidding activity and assist households to make informed decisions about rehousing opportunities.
• Conduct checks on temporary accommodation, including identifying non-compliance (e.g., abandonment, sub-letting).
• Handle customer contact (including reception, telephone, and casework), ensuring service standards and response times are met.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal teams (e.g., social care, medical officer) and partner organisations.
• Contribute to service improvements, policy reviews, and team planning, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practice.
• Support responses to complaints, Member Enquiries, and Ombudsman investigations.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience working in a customer-facing environment, assessing and supporting individuals with housing needs.
• Good knowledge of housing legislation (especially the Housing Acts 1985 and 1996, Parts VI & VII), homelessness guidance, and allocations policies.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills; ability to handle sensitive or challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Case management experience, including accurate record-keeping and effective use of housing systems.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and housing-specific software (e.g., LOCATA).
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and commitment to supporting vulnerable adults and children.
• Ability to work flexibly across teams and with multi-agency partners.
Additional Information:
• Qualification in a relevant field (e.g., NVQ, Diploma, or Degree).
Requirements
• Experience working in a customer-facing environment, assessing and supporting individuals with housing needs. • Good knowledge of housing legislation (especially the Housing Acts 1985 and 1996, Parts VI & VII), homelessness guidance, and allocations policies. • Confident written and verbal communication skills; ability to handle sensitive or challenging situations with empathy and professionalism. • Case management experience, including accurate record-keeping and effective use of housing systems. • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and housing-specific software (e.g., LOCATA). • Understanding of safeguarding principles and commitment to supporting vulnerable adults and children. • Ability to work flexibly across teams and with multi-agency partners.