Complaints Officer in East Kilbride

Purpose of the role
To provide experienced interim cover for our housing complaints team, investigating and responding to Stage 1 and Stage 2 resident complaints fairly, accurately and within the timescales set by the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code. You will take on a live caseload quickly, put things right for residents at the earliest opportunity, and help maintain service standards and regulatory compliance throughout the contract.
Key responsibilities
Complaint handling
* Take on and manage a caseload of Stage 1 complaints from tenants, leaseholders and other residents, acknowledging, investigating and responding within Code timescales.
* Handle Stage 2 escalations, carrying out an independent review of the Stage 1 outcome, the evidence and the original investigation.
* Investigate complaints across a range of housing services, including repairs and maintenance, damp and mould, planned works, antisocial behaviour, neighbour disputes, tenancy management, allocations and lettings, rent and service charges, and staff conduct.
* Gather evidence from housing, repairs, contractor and other teams, case records, property and repair histories, and third parties, and interview staff or residents where needed.
* Make clear, evidence-based decisions on whether a complaint is upheld, partially upheld or not upheld, with well-reasoned explanations.
* Write clear, empathetic and jargon-free response letters and emails setting out findings, outcomes, any redress offered and the resident’s right to escalate to the Housing Ombudsman.
* Recommend and agree appropriate remedies, including apologies, repairs and corrective actions, rehousing or other practical remedies and, where authorised, compensation or goodwill payments.
* Keep residents updated throughout, managing expectations and agreeing extensions where necessary and in line with the Code.
Compliance and governance
* Ensure all complaints are handled in line with the organisation’s complaints policy, the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code and the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards.
* Prepare case files and responses for Housing Ombudsman enquiries and investigations, liaise with the Ombudsman where required, and track the delivery of any orders or recommendations.
* Keep accurate, timely records on the complaints management system, ensuring all complaints are properly log...