Application Officer- LBS 08

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Greater London is seeking a Housing Applications Officer for an office-based role with responsibilities including assessing housing applicants, advising service users, and maintaining accurate housing records. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in administration, knowledge of housing legislation, and strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive hourly wage and immediate start.

Qualifications

• Must have experience of administration and word processing.
• Experience of inputting and validating data on a computer.
• Must have prior experience of preparing statistical information.

Responsibilities

• Register and assess housing applicants on the Housing Registrations database.
• Provide detailed advice to service users regarding priority for housing.
• Assist in the development of fraud prevention measures.
• Maintain systems to record and amend housing applications.
• Deal with enquiries and complaints from the public and other departments.

Skills

Housing Applications Officer experience

Excellent communication skills

Data entry and validation skills

Ability to work under tight deadlines

Problem-solving skills

Education

Knowledge of housing legislation

Experience in service delivery

Tools

Northgate software experience

Job description

Job Category : Housing

Location : 160 Tooley Street, Southwark Council

Hours Per Week : 36.00

Start Date : Immediate Start

Start Time : 09 : 00

End Time : 17 : 00

Salary : £19.11

• Housing Applications Officer experience
• Experience processing Part VI housing applications would be helpful.
• Officer experience of Northgate, is advantageous, assessing need against a scheme or policy
• x2 officers 1 for 3 months and 1 for 6 months

This position is not hybrid, it is office based with the possibility of only 1 day WFH. We are based in Peckham, South East London.

Responsibilities

Register and assess housing applicants on the Housing Registrations database, to make a final decision on their eligibility to join or remain on the Housing List in accordance with Council policy, procedures and housing legislation.

Provided detailed advice to service users and external agencies regarding priority for housing as outlined in the Council’s allocations scheme and relevant to their circumstances.

Provide information and support, including training to internal departments on the Council’s housing registration policies and procedures.

Assist in the development of fraud prevention measures. Make referrals to relevant departments other Local

Authority, Housing Associations and agencies.

Maintain systems to record and amend housing applications, including identifying errors, to store and retrieve such information from the computer systems. Produce statistical data to assist in the monitoring of performance and contribute to service improvements.

Develop and update the applications functions of the Housing Applications database.

To deal With enquiries and complaints form the public, other departments, division and other local authorities / agencies including senior management and assisting in the provision of information for elected representatives, and provides response to freedom of information request

Knowledge, including educational qualifications :

Knowledge of housing legislation as it affects local authority lettings schemes, tenancy matters and homelessness duties including knowledge of relevant Codes of Guidance, case law and good practice

Knowledge of Equalities legislation and good practice and its application in relation to housing services

Experience :

Must have experience of administration and word processing.

Experience of inputting and validating data on a computer

Must have prior experience of preparing statistical information

Experience of service delivery to applicants in housing need

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies :

Ability to plan and organise own work to achieve tasks within tight deadlines

Ability to maintain accurate files and records (both manually and computerised)

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing including active listening

Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with problems and issues raised by clients and staff.

Ability to analyse complex issues and written material quickly, to think creatively about problems and identify solutions

Ability to work effectively and open-handedly with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances