Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help assess housing needs and prevent homelessness in East London.
- Company: Join a dedicated council team focused on community welfare and support.
- Benefits: Earn £29.91 per hour with flexible working hours and valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your skills in housing services.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a housing officer with knowledge of housing benefits and legislation required.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing contract work with potential for future roles.
East London £29.91 per hour umbrella 3 to 6 month ongoing contract
ROLE PURPOSE
We are looking for applicants with extensive experience of assessing Discretionary Housing Payments [DHP], Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction using the Academy system.
MAIN AREA OF RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensuring the most appropriate resolution to housing need in the borough.
- Preventing homelessness by the provision of comprehensive housing advice to members of the public.
- The timely assessment of homelessness applications and reviews ensuring the provision of temporary accommodation where appropriate.
- Timely assessment of medical questionnaires to inform the appropriate priority of Housing Register applicants, the lettings of properties and appropriate Temporary accommodation.
- To ensure written replies to complaints and enquiries from the Ombudsman, Councillors, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders are of the highest standard and dealt with in accordance with prescribed guidelines and within agreed timescales, through a “learning from complaints” approach.
- To deal with casework and information sensitively and to observe the need for confidentiality at all times and that information is only disclosed in appropriate circumstances and in regard to Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and Human Rights Act.
- Ensure that a high standard of customer care is provided at all times and that customers are dealt with courteously and professionally.
- To represent the Benefits and Housing Needs Service in person and through written communication when necessary, at internal and external meetings, acting as an ambassador for the Council and reflecting Council policies and objectives.
- To conduct visits to customers and properties to fully carry out statutory and corporate duties, including residency checks and assisting vulnerable members of the community.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Minimum 3 years previous experience as a housing officer for a previous council or housing association (REQUIRED).
- Extensive knowledge and substantial experience of at least one of the following disciplines: Homeless assessments and reviews; Homeless prevention and housing advice; Temporary Accommodation management, maintenance, income collection and financial monitoring and payments; Housing Supply and procurement; Lettings, Allocations and the Housing Register; Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes; Discretionary payments and Local Welfare Support + the legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and practice associated with these disciplines.
- Be available to work outside normal working hours including at weekends if required.
- Ability to travel around the borough in order to conduct visits to customers and landlords.
- A good understanding and knowledge of Benefits and Housing needs, as well as other relevant legislation.
Benefits and Housing Needs Officer employer: Vox Network Consultants Limited
Contact Detail:
Vox Network Consultants Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with Discretionary Housing Payments and the Academy system during any conversations or networking opportunities. This will show that you have the specific skills they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and policies related to housing benefits and homelessness prevention. Being knowledgeable about current issues can help you stand out in discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed housing needs or prevented homelessness. Concrete examples can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to customer care.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those who work in East London. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a housing officer, particularly in assessing Discretionary Housing Payments and Housing Benefits. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Mention your experience with the Academy system and your approach to preventing homelessness.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your previous roles related to housing assessments, temporary accommodation management, and customer care. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your communication is professional and reflects the high standards expected in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vox Network Consultants Limited
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a housing officer, especially any work related to assessing Discretionary Housing Payments and Housing Benefits. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you successfully resolved housing needs or prevented homelessness.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation, regulations, and policies associated with housing benefits and homelessness. During the interview, confidently reference these laws to show your understanding and how they apply to the role.
✨Emphasise Customer Care Skills
Since the role requires high standards of customer care, be ready to provide examples of how you've dealt with customers professionally and courteously in the past. Discuss any challenging situations and how you managed to resolve them effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive information. Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would approach them, ensuring you maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection laws.
