Housing Officer

at  Omega Recruitment Group

JOB TITLE : HOUSING OFFICER

Job Category : Housing
Category : Agency Workers
Client : Southwark Council
IR35 Status : Inside IR35
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
PAYE Rate : £21.42 ph (Basic Rate £19.11 + 12.07% holiday pay) + exclusive retention bonus of upto £1000.00 per year if employed via Omega Recruitment Agency
To handle applications from individuals to enlist in the Homearch bidding system, we must verify all documentation and assess whether they the eligibility requirements. Additionally, we provide guidance and advice to both service users and stakeholders the Homesearch bidding system and alternative housing options. Lastly, we process all applications in accordance with the allocations policy and pert legislation.

REQUIREMENTS

Familiarity with housing legislation as it pertains to local authority lettings schemes, tenancy issues, and homelessness obligations, including an understanding of pertinent Codes of Guidance, case law, and effective practices.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Requirements: Experience is required in managing income accounts and debt recovery in a housing environment. Knowledge of RTB, housing, and service charges legislation is also essential, as is familiarity with the legal processes governing dispute resolution. The ability to achieve targets under tight deadlines is a must, as is the ability to handle customer queries and complaints in a public setting. Additionally, a proven track record of successfully managing income accounts and debt recovery in a housing environment, along with familiarity with RTB, housing, and service charges legislation, is preferable. Abilities and Skills: A high level of precision is necessary to ensure the maintenance of accurate records and accounts, as well as to detect errors that require correction. The ability to identify, prioritize, and organize workloads is essential. Precise arithmetic skills are required to provide advice on balances and repayment agreements, as well as to prepare financial statements. Effective oral and written communication skills are crucial, allowing for effective communication with individuals of varying levels of seniority. The ability to implement and follow recovery procedures for the recovery of service charges, major works, ground rent, reserve fund, shared ownership rent income, or similar excellent customer service skills are necessary. The ability to work independently, be flexible, and be a supportive member of a team is important. Maintaining accurate electronic, manual, and filing systems is crucial. Excellent IT skills, particularly proficiency in Microsoft packages, especially Excel and Access, are required. Excellent organizational skills, including diary and event management, are necessary

1. Register and evaluate housing applicants on the Housing Registrations database to determine their eligibility for joining or remaining on the Housing List in accordance with Council policy, procedures, and housing legislation.
2. Provide detailed guidance to service users and external agencies on priority for housing according to the Council’s allocations scheme and relevant circumstances.
3. Offer information and support, including training to internal departments on the Council’s housing registration policies and procedures.
4. Assist in the development of fraud prevention measures and make referrals to relevant departments, other Local Authorities, Housing Associations, and agencies.
5. Maintain systems to record and correct housing applications, identify errors, and store and retrieve information from computer systems. Produce statistical data to help monitor performance and improve services.
6. Develop and update the application functions of the Housing Applications database.
7. Handle enquiries and complaints from the public, other departments, divisions, and other local authorities/agencies, including senior management, and assist in providing information for elected representatives. Respond to freedom of information requests.