Housing Allocations Specialist (Applications & Shortlisting)

Birmingham City Council; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is seeking an experienced Allocation & Applications Officer to deliver a responsive housing allocations and applications service for Birmingham City Council.

You will assess applications, provide specialist information on the Housing Allocation Scheme, manage shortlisting and matching of properties, and work with customers and external partners to ensure fair and efficient decisions in line with legislation and council policies.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of working within housing allocations, housing applications, homelessness or a related housing service, with a strong understanding of the needs of customers seeking accommodation.
• Extensive knowledge of housing and relevant homelessness legislation, case law, statutory guidance and housing allocation principles.
• Experience of assessing housing applications and making eligibility, qualification or allocation decisions, with the ability to investigate complex circumstances and exercise appropriate discretion.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to assess information from multiple sources, identify relevant evidence and make fair, accurate and well-reasoned decisions.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex housing information clearly and sensitively to customers, colleagues and other stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, with experience of managing casework, maintaining detailed records and handling confidential customer information.

Responsibilities

• Assess and manage housing applications using a case management approach, determining customer eligibility and qualification for the Housing Allocation Scheme and communicating decisions within statutory and service timescales.
• Provide specialist advice and information to customers, colleagues and external stakeholders on the Housing Allocation Scheme, housing registration process, eligibility and allocation requirements.
• Manage the shortlisting, allocation and matching of properties, ensuring lettings are made within timescales and in accordance with the Allocation Scheme and legislation.
• Conduct enquiries, investigations and background checks, gathering information from multiple sources to ensure decisions are accurate, fair and evidence-based.
• Review and approve property adverts, monitor nomination acceptances/refusals, and support nomination agreements and related processes.
• Identify customer vulnerabilities and safeguarding concerns, making referrals to support agencies while working with statutory and voluntary organisations, commissioners, providers and the Private Rented Sector.
• Maintain accurate case records and documentation, support service improvements, and provide training to colleagues where required.

Job description

Birmingham City Council is seeking an experienced Allocation & Applications Officer to deliver a responsive housing allocations and applications service for Birmingham City Council.

You will assess applications, provide specialist information on the Housing Allocation Scheme, manage shortlisting and matching of properties, and work with customers and external partners to ensure fair and efficient decisions in line with legislation and council policies.