Allocations Officer

Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Council’s Housing Allocations Team. As a Senior Housing Allocations Officer you will provide effective supervision and manage the performance of sich team of Housing Allocations Officers. You will develop, update and implement clear and effective arrangements for the management of the service to ensure that the Council meets its statutory obligations. You will ensure the delivery of a high quality, responsive and customer focused housing allocations service ensuring that all applications to join the Council’s housing register are processed, and accommodation  advertised and nominated in accordance with statutory obligations, policies, procedures and service standards.

Promote the full range of affordable housing options and ensure that housing register applicants receive the advice, help and support they need to address housing needs. Assist the Housing Allocations Team Leader to identify areas for service improvement, enhancement and best practice. This role will be based across North Northamptonshire. What will you be doing? Responsible for processing applications to join the Council’s Housing Register, raising adverts and completing nominations in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’s Housing Allocations Scheme and other relevant agreements and procedures.

Responsible for the operational day‑to‑day management, supervision and performance of the Housing Allocations Officers. Provide advice, guidance, support and training to the officers to enable them to deliver an effective, high‑quality, responsive and customer focused housing allocations service. Regularly review policies, agreements, procedures, and service area action plans to ensure they remain relevant and provide service improvement and efficiencies. Assist in budget management, by ensuring that opportunities for income collection (ie advert charges) are maximised and forecast appropriately.

Ensure that customers are provided with accurate and relevant advice in relation to their housing needs and accessibility.dim of social and affordable housing, are encouraged to explore creative solutions, and other suitable and affordable housing options such as the private rented sector, mutual exchange/home swap etc. Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the systems used to deliver the housing allocation service including bug fixes and implementation of updates / enhancements.

Assist in monitoring team performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service targets. Contribute to the preparation of performance reports and ensure accurate case recording and data entry. Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, attending multi‑agency meetings as required and contribute to achieving positive outcomes for households in housing need. Assist the Housing Allocations Team Leader, and work with colleagues across the Housing Solutions Service, to review service delivery, aiming for continued improvement, and to develop working practices, protocols, partnership and data sharing agreements etc with key organisations and services.

Work closely with and provide cover for the other Senior Housing Allocations Officers and deputise for the Housing Allocations Team Leader, as required, providing support by undertaking other tasks to enable the efficient delivery of the service. Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs. Comply with the Council’s policies and procedures including (but not limited to) safeguarding, financial regulations, promotion of equalities, customer care, agreed audit actions and health and safety (ensuring that reasonable care is taken at all times for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and other persons).

Understand the council’s commitment to Corporate Parenting and take responsibility to support this commitment. Enable the council to be the best corporate parents possible to children.

Events and young people in our current and previous care. Carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of this job…