Neighbourhood Service Officer- Paralegal in Leeds

As a Neighbourhood Service Officer- Paralegal, you will contribute to an effective Income recovery service which maintains strong partnerships and positive cultural links with the Housing Management & BITMO divisions in supporting the maximising of income collection and the recovery of rent arrears through litigation when necessary. You will be part of a team of Paralegal officers working in relation to rental income and contribute to delivery of strong performance and excellent customer service. You should have excellent project management skills to deliver complex actions to tight deadlines. You will have good communication skills and be able to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across the council and with partners within the housing and legal sectors. You will be motivated by working in a challenging and dynamic environment, contributing to continuous improvement. The role is integral to our Income Management team ensuring that positive outcomes are achieved. You will need to display excellent communication skills and have a passion for supporting colleagues and customers.

Responsibilities:

• To deliver a housing management service within the Neighbourhood Services areas of Income Management, Tenant and Community Involvement, Lettings and Tenancy Management Policy and Older Persons Housing.
• To actively contribute towards the development, review and improvement of policies and strategies in line with current legislation and best practice.
• To deliver training and support to officers within area housing teams relating to the implementation of policies and procedures and work with officers to improve service delivery of a Neighbourhood Service area.
• To work with tenants and communities to ensure that policies and procedures and the Housing Leeds service meets the needs of tenants and communities.
• To review the performance / outcomes of a Neighbourhood Service area and use the results to influence policy development or work with area housing teams to improve practice.
• To work in partnership with other teams and departments to ensure joined up services to tenants and other service users.
• To develop positive working relationships with key stakeholders including: tenants, applicants and other partner organisations.
• To take a people-orientated solutions-focussed approach to dealing with customers, quickly and professionally.
• To manage a budget where applicable and ensure value for money in all aspects of service delivery, and policy and procedure development.
• To contribute to the delivery of service improvement plans.
• To work with team members to ensure the delivery of high quality services and achievement of performance targets.
• To contribute to the improvement of local service delivery in conjunction with appropriate stakeholders and partners.
• To be personally effective, demonstrating commitment and time management.
• Contribute to culture change to deliver focussed and continuously improving services.
• To support the achievement of equality and diversity in both employment and service delivery including the promotion of equality of opportunity.
• To ensure that the Council's health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to.
• To work outside normal working hours, where required.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• To demonstrate and embed the Councils values and manager habits to lead, support and drive cultural change.
• To lead, manage, motivate, mentor and develop teams in accordance with council policies ensuring that the policies are understood and followed.
• To ensure that the team work professionally, competently and in a forward thinking and customer focused way whilst embracing collaborative partnership working to achieve excellence.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in the context of arrears-based possession proceedings and litigation practice.
• Comprehensive understanding of the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims by Social Landlords.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information.
• Experience of developing effective working relationships with stakeholders to achieve defined outcomes.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

Qualifications:

• A degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience of managing in a housing context.
• Knowledge of the functions of a comprehensive housing management service.
• Knowledge of Landlord's statutory responsibilities.
• Up to date knowledge of social housing and issues affecting the sector.
• Up to date knowledge of housing legislation and policies.
• An awareness of key stakeholders, partners and third sector organisations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Able to communicate with and influence customers and other stakeholders.
• Able to lead, motivate and empower staff to achieve positive outcomes.
• Ability to identify operational problems and develop innovative solutions across a full range of housing services.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including members, external and internal partners and residents.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information.
• Ability to write concise reports, deliver presentations and chair meetings.
• Competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft applications.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to manage and delegate resources effectively.
• Able to work with trade unions and consult as necessary.

Experience:

• Contributing to projects and initiatives.
• Managing resources within defined budgets.
• Working with residents and members to achieve defined outcomes.
• Developing service objectives and operational delivery plans.
• Recognising and dealing effectively with inappropriate behaviour.

Attitudes and Behaviours:

• Able to demonstrate a commitment to Council values.
• Able to manage teams in line with the Council's manager habits.
• Commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe working environment.
• Commitment to promoting equality and diversity to colleagues and customers.
• Able to demonstrate and promote a flexible and positive approach to change.

Desirable Requirements:

• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Recent experience of managing teams in a housing related context including motivation and staff development.
• Working with and consulting with trade unions.
• Working within a political environment.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions. A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays; membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions; flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements; a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities; a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.