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- Tasks: Register and assess housing applications, providing advice and support to service users.
- Company: Southwark Council, committed to community welfare and housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and potential for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing applications and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role with a dynamic team and opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 20 £ per hour.
Job Category: Housing
Location: 160 Tooley Street, Southwark Council
Hours Per Week: 36.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £19.11
Housing Applications Officer experience:
- Experience processing Part VI housing applications would be helpful.
- Officer experience of Northgate is advantageous, assessing need against a scheme or policy.
This position is not hybrid; it is office based with the possibility of only 1 day WFH. We are based in Peckham, South East London.
Responsibilities:
- Register and assess housing applicants on the Housing Registrations database, to make a final decision on their eligibility to join or remain on the Housing List in accordance with Council policy, procedures and housing legislation.
- Provide detailed advice to service users and external agencies regarding priority for housing as outlined in the Council’s allocations scheme and relevant to their circumstances.
- Provide information and support, including training to internal departments on the Council’s housing registration policies and procedures.
- Assist in the development of fraud prevention measures.
- Make referrals to relevant departments, other Local Authorities, Housing Associations and agencies.
- Maintain systems to record and amend housing applications, including identifying errors, to store and retrieve such information from the computer systems.
- Produce statistical data to assist in the monitoring of performance and contribute to service improvements.
- Develop and update the applications functions of the Housing Applications database.
- Deal with enquiries and complaints from the public, other departments, divisions and other local authorities/agencies including senior management and assisting in the provision of information for elected representatives, and provide responses to freedom of information requests.
Knowledge, including educational qualifications:
- Knowledge of housing legislation as it affects local authority lettings schemes, tenancy matters and homelessness duties including knowledge of relevant Codes of Guidance, case law and good practice.
- Knowledge of Equalities legislation and good practice and its application in relation to housing services.
Experience:
- Must have experience of administration and word processing.
- Experience of inputting and validating data on a computer.
- Must have prior experience of preparing statistical information.
- Experience of service delivery to applicants in housing need.
Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:
- Ability to plan and organise own work to achieve tasks within tight deadlines.
- Ability to maintain accurate files and records (both manually and computerised).
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing including active listening.
- Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with problems and issues raised by clients and staff.
- Ability to analyse complex issues and written material quickly, to think creatively about problems and identify solutions.
- Ability to work effectively and open-handedly with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Application Officer- LBS 08 in London employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Application Officer- LBS 08 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, especially those who work at Southwark Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Application Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and local authority lettings schemes. We want you to show off your expertise and how you can contribute to the team right from day one!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to deal with enquiries and complaints, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Application Officer- LBS 08 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with housing applications and any relevant legislation. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your administrative and data processing skills. Mention any experience you have with Northgate or similar systems, as this will definitely catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the role.
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 quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Make sure you brush up on housing legislation relevant to local authority lettings schemes and homelessness duties. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Application Officer role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Northgate
If you have experience with Northgate, great! If not, do some research on how it works, especially in relation to processing housing applications. Being able to speak about your familiarity with this system can give you an edge in the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully dealt with client issues or complex cases, as this will demonstrate your capability in the role.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves providing advice and support to various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to showcase your active listening skills and how you would handle enquiries or complaints effectively.