Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with housing needs and manage a diverse caseload.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and understanding of housing and welfare issues.
- Other info: Join a team that values respect, integrity, and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
We are looking for a Housing Register & Allocations Officer to join our Housing Needs Advice & Support service. This is a full-time, permanent role based at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth.
Based in Housing Needs, Advice & Support, you will be part of a team which deals with customers both face to face and by telephone. You will be required to deal with general housing enquiries and be part of a duty team who manage a large caseload. You will make assessments of housing need, interviewing customers about their housing situation and assessing their financial circumstances, to fully understand the customers' circumstances and support.
We are looking for somebody who:
- Is highly motivated and self-managing.
- Can listen to people and not rush to conclusions or judgements before fully understanding what is needed or wanted by a customer.
- Has the confidence and ability to seek clarity by making respectful and assertive challenges when required.
- Can use information gained to build effective plans around people.
- Is emotionally resilient and able to deal with the impact of being exposed to customer's difficult circumstances, and remain professionally detached and focused even if the message you deliver involves saying no.
- Has experience of working directly with customers in a front-line service and understands the challenges that vulnerable client groups can face.
- Has an awareness of equalities issues and is committed to equal opportunities.
- Has an awareness of the welfare benefits system and understands how a person's financial circumstances may impact on their housing situation.
- Can negotiate with our customers, housing providers, and internal and external agencies to find person-centred solutions to housing problems.
- Can clearly and effectively communicate with a wide range of people from the most socially disadvantaged customers to senior professionals, verbally and in writing.
- Is comfortable using a variety of IT systems such as Excel and other office applications.
- Can work independently or as part of a team using your own initiative and judgement to find appropriate and effective solutions to the various issues that may arise.
- Is proactive and able to manage multiple tasks whilst also being able to meet deadlines.
- Is flexible, as they may be required to visit vacant properties, work from any housing area or cover another workload at short notice.
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Housing Register in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Register in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Portsmouth City Council's values and think about how you can align your experiences with them. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with a diverse range of customers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to listen and respond effectively. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about times when you’ve successfully navigated challenging situations or helped vulnerable clients. These stories will make you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you access to all the resources we offer to help you succeed in your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Register in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Motivation: When you're writing your application, let us see your passion for the role! Share why you want to be a Housing Register & Allocations Officer and how your values align with ours. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Be Specific with Examples: We want to know about your experiences! Use specific examples from your past work or personal life that demonstrate how you've tackled challenges similar to those faced in this role. This helps us see how you'd fit into our team.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it directly addresses the 'Who is the Person' points in the job description. The more relevant your examples, the better we can understand your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our careers portal! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don't miss out on any important updates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focussed. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
The job requires you to handle sensitive situations with customers. Prepare specific examples from your previous work where you successfully managed difficult conversations or provided support to vulnerable clients. This will show your ability to listen, assess needs, and deliver person-centred solutions.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Since the role involves using various IT systems, be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Excel and other office applications. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you used these skills effectively, as it demonstrates your capability to manage tasks efficiently.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
