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- Tasks: Help allocate emergency accommodation and support vulnerable clients in need.
- Company: Lewisham Council, dedicated to improving housing services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing legislation and experience in customer service required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 24 £ per hour.
We are looking to recruit an officer responsible for the allocation of emergency temporary accommodation, setting up rent accounts and discharging interim and full housing duty. The successful candidate will work within a team of officers and participate in a duty rota to fulfil the needs of the service. A good understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 is required along with experience with delivering a front-line service to vulnerable clients. They will serve as a point of contact for clients placed in emergency accommodation ensuring that appropriate offers of accommodation are made and all queries are responded to in a timely manner.
Knowledge
- Excellent knowledge and detailed understanding of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing and homelessness legislation, case law and guidance.
- Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985 and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
- Suitability and affordability assessments for accommodation provided under homelessness provisions.
- Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefit system and its application.
- The Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
- Good knowledge of the management of voids and lettings practices.
- Comprehensive understanding of the needs of vulnerable people and how their needs can be met, including their social, emotional and wellbeing needs.
Aptitude
- Ability to maintain databases and work effectively with IT systems.
- Aptitude for working creatively and acting on own initiative. Committed to continuous service improvement.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands in a pressurised environment, recognise service priorities and manage a high workload within agreed targets.
- Ability to meet performance targets and deliver positive outcomes.
- Ability to liaise with professional staff from across the Council and with partners.
- Ability to take a proactive role in reviewing and developing working practices in order to continually improve service delivery.
- Aptitude for utilising new technology to help develop the service.
Skills
- Excellent prioritisation and problem solving skills.
- Excellent customer care skills.
- Excellent negotiating and influencing skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to understand and explain both local policies and statutory legislation.
Experience
- Experience of working in a customer demand led business in the public or private sector.
- Experience of dealing sensitively with distressed or challenging customers/service users.
- Experience of working with landlords and managing agents to access void properties and to refer clients.
- Experience of administrative systems and office work.
- Experience of responding to correspondence and resolving complaints.
- Effectively programming/prioritising/planning own workload.
- Experience of achieving performance targets and meeting departmental performance objectives.
- Self-motivated and able to work with a caseload to achieve targets and continuous improvement.
- To think flexibly and broadly, approaching situations from many perspectives.
General Education
- Good standard of education to include Maths and English GCSE Grade C and above or equivalent experience.
Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer
✨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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to homelessness legislation and client care. Practise your responses with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your knowledge clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've handled challenging situations with clients or improved service delivery in previous roles. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing legislation. We want to see that you can apply this knowledge in real-world situations, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: When applying, tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with vulnerable clients and customer service. We love seeing how your skills match what we’re looking for, so make it personal and relevant!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your excellent communication and problem-solving skills! We need someone who can handle challenging situations with ease, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing laws. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Customer Care Skills
Prepare examples of how you've dealt with vulnerable clients in the past. Highlight your excellent customer care skills and how you've managed challenging situations, as this role requires a sensitive approach.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to prioritise competing demands or solve problems under pressure. This will illustrate your ability to manage a high workload and meet performance targets effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Since the role involves maintaining databases and using IT systems, be ready to discuss your experience with technology. Mention any software you've used and how it helped improve service delivery in your previous roles.
