At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice, prevent homelessness, and manage allocations for residents in need.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hillingdon's Housing Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure safe housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and knowledge of relevant legislation required.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a dynamic local authority setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Hillingdon are looking for an Allocations Officer to join their team on a contract basis. Below are the details:
- Directorate / Service: Housing Services - Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention
- Contract Type: Fixed-term / Agency Contract
- Location: Hillingdon (Hybrid working may apply)
- Rate / Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Role Purpose: To deliver a high-quality housing advice, homelessness prevention, and allocations service in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and Hillingdon Council's allocations and homelessness policies. The postholder will assess housing need, prevent and relieve homelessness, manage allocations cases, and support residents to access suitable accommodation options.
Key Responsibilities:
- Housing Advice & Homelessness Prevention: Provide comprehensive housing advice to residents, including those at risk of homelessness or already homeless; carry out statutory homelessness assessments and make legally compliant decisions; develop and manage Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs); take reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness in line with legislation; liaise with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to secure accommodation solutions.
- Allocations & Housing Register: Assess applications to the Housing Register in line with the Council's allocations scheme; determine eligibility, qualification, banding, and priority; process offers of accommodation and manage refusals and reviews; maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions are clearly evidenced.
- Casework & Compliance: Manage a caseload efficiently, meeting statutory timescales and service targets; issue written decisions, notifications, and review outcomes in line with legal requirements; prepare cases for legal challenge, reviews, or court proceedings where required; ensure all work complies with safeguarding, equality, and data protection requirements.
- Partnership & Customer Focus: Work collaboratively with internal teams, registered providers, and external agencies; deliver a customer-focused service, dealing sensitively with vulnerable residents; attend case conferences, multi-agency meetings, and court when necessary.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or allocations within a local authority.
- Strong working knowledge of housing legislation, including: Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience carrying out homelessness assessments and allocations decisions.
- Ability to manage complex casework and competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confident use of housing management systems and case recording.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a London borough.
- Knowledge of Hillingdon's housing pressures or similar demand-led services.
- Experience handling reviews, appeals, or legal challenges.
- CIH qualification or relevant housing-related qualification.
Personal Attributes:
- Professional, empathetic, and resilient approach.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding best practice.
Allocations Officer in Uxbridge employer: Morgan Hunt UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Morgan Hunt UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Allocations Officer in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 the London Borough of Hillingdon and their housing policies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to housing advice and homelessness prevention. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge—this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and connect with potential employers. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities in the housing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Allocations Officer in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Allocations Officer role. Highlight your experience in housing advice and homelessness prevention, and show how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of relevant legislation like the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. We want to see that you’re not just familiar with these laws but can apply them in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
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 Morgan Hunt UK Ltd
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which the London Borough of Hillingdon operates.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully provided housing advice or managed allocations cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Professionalism
As an Allocations Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable residents. Be ready to discuss how you approach sensitive situations with empathy while maintaining professionalism. This will reflect your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges in Hillingdon's housing services, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.