Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer

Lewisham Council; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Lewisham Council is seeking an Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer to handle emergency accommodation allocations and provide support to vulnerable clients. Your role will include knowledge of housing legislation and a commitment to service improvement. You will work within a team to respond to client needs and ensure an effective service delivery.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education including Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above.
• Experience in demand-led environments and handling distressed customers.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and welfare benefit systems.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for allocation of emergency temporary accommodation and rent accounts.
• Serve as point of contact for clients in emergency accommodation.
• Participate in duty rota to meet service needs.

Skills

Prioritization

Problem-solving

Customer Care

Negotiation

Clear Communication

Education

Good standard of education including Maths and English GCSE Grade C

Job description

Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer, London

Client: Lewisham Council

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 1bbe0ff78c1f

Job Views: 8

Posted: 22.06.2025

Expiry Date: 06.08.2025

Job Description:

We are looking to recruit an officer responsible for the allocation of emergency temporary accommodation, setting up rent accounts, and discharging interim and full housing duties.

The successful candidate will work within a team of officers and participate in a duty rota to meet the needs of the service. A good understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 is required, along with experience delivering front-line services to vulnerable clients. The officer will serve as a point of contact for clients in emergency accommodation, ensuring appropriate offers of accommodation are made and queries are responded to promptly.

Knowledge:

• Excellent knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and relevant housing legislation, case law, and guidance.
• Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
• Ability to conduct suitability and affordability assessments for accommodation provided under homelessness provisions.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the welfare benefit system and its application.
• Understanding of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
• Knowledge of void management and lettings practices.
• Understanding of the needs of vulnerable people and how to meet them, including social, emotional, and wellbeing needs.

Aptitudes:

• Ability to maintain databases and work effectively with IT systems.
• Creativity and initiative in work approach.
• Commitment to continuous service improvement.
• Ability to prioritize in a high-pressure environment and manage workload within targets.
• Proficiency in meeting performance targets and delivering positive outcomes.
• Effective liaison with council staff and partners.
• Proactive in reviewing and improving working practices.
• Willingness to utilize new technology for service development.

Skills:

• Excellent prioritization and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer care skills.
• Negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Clear communication skills, understanding local policies and statutory legislation.

Experience:

• Experience in a demand-led environment in the public or private sector.
• Experience handling distressed or challenging customers/service users.
• Experience working with landlords and managing agents to access void properties and refer clients.
• Experience with administrative systems and office work.
• Experience responding to correspondence and resolving complaints.
• Ability to plan and prioritize workload effectively.
• Proven track record of achieving performance targets and departmental objectives.
• Self-motivated with caseload management skills.
• Flexible thinking and broad approach to situations.

Education:

Good standard of education, including Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above, or equivalent experience.