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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 - 22 £ 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 in 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 the 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 in London employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Assessment in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, especially those who know about the Homelessness Reduction Act. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get an interview, be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging situations with clients. Use real examples to demonstrate your problem-solving and customer care skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on housing legislation! Brush up on the latest changes in laws and policies related to homelessness. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Assessment in London
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 talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to the legal stuff!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send in a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with vulnerable clients and how you’ve delivered front-line services. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for this role!
Show Off Your Skills: We’re looking for excellent communication and problem-solving skills, so make sure to showcase these in your application. Give examples of how you’ve handled challenging situations or negotiated effectively 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 into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 distressed or challenging customers in the past. Highlight your excellent customer care skills and how you managed to resolve issues effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Aptitude
Think of specific instances where you've had to prioritise competing demands or solve complex problems. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, so be ready to share your experiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Since you'll be maintaining databases and using IT systems, it’s a good idea to mention any relevant experience you have. If you’ve used similar systems before, be sure to highlight that during the interview.