At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage housing applications and ensure lawful allocations while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Slough Borough Council, committed to community regeneration and housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and impactful work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help vulnerable customers find suitable housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing allocations and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Temporary Contract
Job Details
- Service Area: Regeneration, Housing and Environment
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Start Date: 18 May 2026
- Duration: 17 weeks
- Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office
- Location Office Base: 25 Windsor Road Slough Berkshire SL1 2EJ
- Pay PAYE Rate: £19.32 per hour
Job Overview
Slough Borough Council is seeking an experienced Allocations Officer to join the Housing Allocations team. This role will provide a housing register, needs assessment and allocations service, ensuring the legality and suitability of social housing allocations and helping the council meet statutory requirements, performance indicators and lettings targets. The successful candidate will manage housing applications, maintain accurate housing register records, verify applicant circumstances, carry out home visits and support the effective delivery of a customer-focused housing allocations service.
Important - Please Read Carefully
This role requires direct housing allocations experience, including knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, housing register assessments and the application of allocations policy. You must also be able to carry out home visits and hold a full UK driving licence with access to a car for work. Candidates without relevant allocations / housing register experience are unlikely to be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake eligibility assessments for potential tenants accessing the housing register
- Ensure allocations are lawful, suitable and in line with policy
- Deliver a comprehensive, customer-focused housing allocations service
- Maintain accurate records of the voids and lettings process and update the housing register using the integrated housing management system
- Run performance reports and carry out regular data reconciliation
- Manage social housing applications, including complex cases
- Apply law and policy appropriately to reach lawful and defensible decisions
- Liaise with housing needs colleagues on acute cases and with investigation teams where fraud is suspected
- Provide information to new tenants about properties and services available
- Liaise with tenancy management colleagues to support efficient sign-up processes
- Undertake home visits to shortlisted applicants to verify eligibility and circumstances
- Identify service improvements and support development of the allocations service
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience in a pressurised customer service environment working with vulnerable customers
- Experience maintaining computerised information management systems
- Experience handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Experience giving accurate information clearly in writing and verbally
- Knowledge of current housing, immigration and related legislation, including relevant Housing and Homelessness Acts
- Knowledge of repairs issues affecting required property standards
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation, especially lone working
- Knowledge of data protection legislation relating to customer records
- Ability to carry out home visits to verify housing applications
- Ability to understand and apply complex legislation fairly and accurately
- Strong communication, record keeping and data analysis skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office and databases
- Educated to A Level or equivalent with good numeracy and literacy
- Full UK driving licence with own car available for work
Desirable
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- NVQ Business Administration Level 3, BTEC, relevant housing qualification or equivalent
Disclaimer
On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
Housing allocations officer (level 6) in Slough employer: Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
Slough Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and community impact. With a hybrid working model and a focus on customer service, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while contributing to meaningful housing solutions in the vibrant town of Slough. The council provides opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those passionate about public service and social equity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing allocations officer (level 6) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and allocations policies. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've handled them in the past. Show them you're the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure you can clearly articulate your thoughts and experiences. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail down your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in housing allocations.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing allocations officer (level 6) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in housing allocations. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of housing legislation and customer service.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experience and qualifications, especially when discussing your ability to handle sensitive information and complex cases.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role involves working with vulnerable customers, make sure to emphasise your experience in a pressurised customer service environment. We love to see examples of how you've successfully supported clients in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on housing and homelessness legislation before the interview. Understanding the legal framework surrounding housing allocations will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed customer interactions, especially with vulnerable individuals. Highlighting your ability to handle sensitive situations will resonate well with the council's focus on a customer-oriented service.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role's Responsibilities
Review the key responsibilities listed in the job description and think of specific instances where you've performed similar tasks. Being able to discuss your relevant experience in managing housing applications and conducting home visits will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current challenges in housing allocations or how they measure success in this role. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged in the position.
