Housing Needs Officer

HOUSING NEEDS OFFICER

£68.60 - £85.33 PER DAY

FULL TIME 35 HOURS PER WEEK

CIVIC CENTRE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

TEMPORARY CONTRACT UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2014

Please note there will be two weeks unpaid over the Christmas period. You will not be permitted to work, you will able to request this period as annual leave using accrued holiday pay.

ABOUT THE ROLE

To work within the Housing Needs Team, processing applications for inclusion onto the Homeseekers Register. To process the related correspondence and additional supporting documentation, and to upload, shortlist and maintain the CBL system in advertising the properties for re-let.

To assess, review and manage housing applications from applicants in private and public sector housing to assess their eligibility and priority against the Housing Act 1996 Part 6 and 7 and the Council's Allocation Scheme.

- Deal with all telephone, written and face to face enquiries from applicants applying for housing promptly and in accordance with Service Standards
- Provide applicants with holistic housing options advice including alternative housing options ie shared ownership, mutual exchange, accommodation in the private rented sector etc
- Assist with the management and maintenance of confidential case notes. Maintain a range of information systems, both manual and computerised to ensure that applicants details are confidential and accessed promptly when required
- Prepare files for Medical and Welfare Assessments as and when required to include checking and signing appropriate letters, verifying assessment details and input onto the system any additional priority awarded
- Liaise with appropriate Officers of South Essex Homes and Registered Social Landlords in relation of offers of accommodation and nominations ensuring that these are made without undue delay and in accordance with any targets set
- Liaise and co-operate fully with any Officer of the Community Housing Department, Other Council Departments, South Essex Homes and Registered Social Landlords, as appropriate in order to meet strategic Council objectives
- Provide cover for other members of staff as required
- Provide support for the Accommodation Finding Private Sector Tenancy Officer in carrying out their housing functions as required
- To undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you, commensurate with your grade, at your initial or present place of work or at any other of the Authority's establishments

ABOUT YOU

Experience of systems to include Northgate (iworld), Abritas, Civica, Northgate (Revs & Bens). You will also be required to liaise, interview and correspond with the public, other service providers, councillors and registered social landlords and you will need a knowledge of the legal requirements for the allocation of social housing as set out in the Housing Act (1996) as amended by the Homelessness Act (2002) and the Localism Act (2011)

Previous Housing Experience desirable but not essential. Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation and private sector housing issues. Knowledge of Supporting People regime and Supported housing issues.

Working for Essex welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Working for Essex is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.