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- 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 & Allocations Officer 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 & Allocations Officer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Portsmouth City Council values respect, integrity, and collaboration. When you’re preparing for your interview, think about how your own values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that showcase this.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Housing Register & Allocations Officer, you'll need to interact with a diverse range of people. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to build your confidence in handling difficult conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities! Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges, especially in customer-facing roles. Be prepared to discuss these during your interview to demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Portsmouth City Council. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Register & Allocations Officer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. This helps us see how you fit into the role!
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and tailored to the job description. Address each point in the 'Who is the Person' section with clear examples from your own life or work experience.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. We want to understand your skills and experiences without having to decipher your application!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
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.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Proactivity
The job may require you to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Be prepared to share instances where you had to be flexible in your approach or manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Highlighting your proactive nature will resonate well with the interviewers.
