Allocations Officer

London Borough of Hillingdon - Allocations Officer

Are you an Allocations officer looking for your next assignment? The London Borough of Hillingdon are looking for an Allocations Officer to join their team on a contract basis, please see below details!

Housing Services - Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention

Fixed-term / Agency Contract

Hillingdon (Hybrid working may apply)

Competitive (dependent on experience)

To deliver a high-quality housing advice, homelessness prevention, and allocations service in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 (as amended),
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
, and Hillingdon Council's allocations and homelessness policies.

The postholder will assess housing need, prevent and relieve homelessness, manage allocations cases, and support residents to access suitable accommodation options.

• Provide comprehensive housing advice to residents, including those at risk of homelessness or already homeless
• Carry out statutory homelessness assessments and make legally compliant decisions
• Develop and manage Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs)
• Take reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness in line with legislation
• Liaise with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to secure accommodation solutions

• Assess applications to the Housing Register in line with the Council's allocations scheme
• Determine eligibility, qualification, banding, and priority
• Process offers of accommodation and manage refusals and reviews
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions are clearly evidenced

• Manage a caseload efficiently, meeting statutory timescales and service targets
• Issue written decisions, notifications, and review outcomes in line with legal requirements
• Prepare cases for legal challenge, reviews, or court proceedings where required
• Ensure all work complies with safeguarding, equality, and data protection requirements

• Work collaboratively with internal teams, registered providers, and external agencies
• Deliver a customer-focused service, dealing sensitively with vulnerable residents
• Attend case conferences, multi-agency meetings, and court when necessary

• Proven experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or allocations within a local authority
• Strong working knowledge of housing legislation, including:
  • Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Experience carrying out homelessness assessments and allocations decisions
• Ability to manage complex casework and competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confident use of housing management systems and case recording

• Experience working in a London borough
• Knowledge of Hillingdon's housing pressures or similar demand‑led services
• Experience handling reviews, appeals, or legal challenges
• CIH qualification or relevant housing‑related qualification

• Professional, empathetic, and resilient approach
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding best practice