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BBS Recruitment; Ovingdean; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

BBS Recruitment is seeking an Allocations and Verifications Officer - Housing for a council client in Lambeth. You will deliver a high-quality housing allocation service, assess applications and shortlist suitable tenants.

The role involves verification checks, home visits when needed, offering accommodation and explaining the process to applicants. You will work with ALMOs, housing associations and other providers to maximise social housing use.

Responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality, customer-focused housing allocation service to Lambeth tenants, residents and applicants seeking social housing or transfers.
• Process and assess housing applications in line with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme, policies and procedures.
• Allocate Council properties and nominate housing associations, housing co-operatives and other providers to meet housing need.
• Advertise available properties and shortlist prospective tenants by matching eligibility and criteria.
• Make direct offers of accommodation where appropriate and ensure fairness and consistency.
• Provide clear advice on eligibility, priority and the allocation process.
• Support applicants to access mobility schemes and other housing options.
• Undertake detailed verification checks on housing applications to confirm eligibility.
• Investigate applicants’ circumstances and evidence, including home visits where necessary.
• Identify discrepancies and undertake enquiries before decisions are made.
• Maintain records of applications, verification checks, investigations and decisions.
• Keep up-to-date with Lambeth's Housing Allocation Scheme and related policies.
• Collaborate with housing providers to optimise use of social housing stock.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for service improvement.

Job description

Allocations and Verifications Officer - Housing

BBS Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency for transport and logistics sector, supplying to a variety of clients across UK.

We are currently recruiting an Allocations and Verifications Officer - Housing for our client based in Lambeth.

Responsibilities for Allocations and Verifications Officer:

• Provide a high-quality, customer-focused and responsive housing allocation service to Lambeth tenants, residents and applicants seeking social housing or transfers.
• Process and assess housing applications efficiently and accurately, ensuring applications are dealt with in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme, relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Allocate Council properties and make nominations to Housing Associations, Housing Co-operatives and other registered housing providers, ensuring that available social housing is used effectively to meet housing need.
• Advertise available properties through the choice-based lettings scheme and accurately shortlist prospective tenants by matching applicants’ housing needs, priority and qualification criteria against available properties.
• Make direct offers of accommodation where appropriate and ensure all offers and allocations are made fairly, consistently and in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme.
• Provide clear and timely advice to applicants regarding their housing application, eligibility, priority, housing options and the allocation process.
• Support applicants to access appropriate mobility schemes and other housing options where applicable.
• Undertake detailed and thorough verification checks on housing applications, ensuring applicants meet the relevant eligibility and qualification criteria.
• Investigate applicants’ circumstances and supporting evidence, including conducting home visits where necessary, to verify household composition, residency, housing circumstances and other relevant information.
• Identify discrepancies, inconsistencies or potential misrepresentation and undertake appropriate further enquiries to establish the facts before making or recommending decisions.
• Approve, amend, suspend or remove housing applications from the housing register where appropriate and in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and delegated authority.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of applications, verification checks, investigations, decisions and correspondence on the Council's housing systems.
• Maintain a detailed and current understanding of Lambeth's Housing Allocation Scheme and ensure decisions and actions are consistent with the scheme and associated policies and procedures.
• Work closely with housing providers, including ALMOs, Registered Social Landlords, Housing Associations and Housing Co-operatives, developing effective day-to-day working relationships.
• Monitor the performance of housing providers and work collaboratively to ensure the most effective use of social rented housing stock within the borough.
• Liaise with housing providers to facilitate the timely allocation and letting of properties and minimise delays and void periods.
• Resolve allocation and verification issues promptly and professionally, escalating complex matters where appropriate.
• Provide timely and accurate management information, data and reports relating to housing applications, allocations, nominations, verification activity and the supply and use of social housing stock.
• Monitor performance against service standards, targets and key performance indicators and contribute to identifying opportunities for service improvement.
• Analyse allocation and housing supply data to identify trends, risks and areas requiring further investigation or management action.
• Work closely with colleagues across Housing and other Council directorates whose services have a direct influence on housing allocations and the operational delivery of services.
• Promote a joined-up approach to service delivery by working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners and other relevant agencies.
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures, equality requirements, safeguarding principles, data protection and information governance standards.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information professionally and ensure customers are treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.