Allocations and Verifications Officer

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide a professional, customer-focused and efficient Housing Allocations and Verification service, ensuring the effective management of housing applications, allocations, nominations and lettings in accordance with the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme, relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

The postholder will assess, verify and determine applications for the Housing Register, advertise and allocate properties, monitor nominations and lettings performance, and work collaboratively with housing providers and internal stakeholders to maximise the effective use of social housing stock across the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a high-quality housing allocations and lettings service to applicants, tenants and residents seeking access to social housing.
  
• Assess, verify and process Housing Register applications in accordance with the Council's Housing Allocation Scheme and statutory requirements.
  
• Undertake thorough investigations and verification checks, including home visits where required, to determine eligibility, qualification and housing need.
  
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date housing application records and supporting evidence.
  
• Advertise available properties through the Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme.
  
• Shortlist applicants and allocate properties in line with allocation policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
  
• Make direct offers of accommodation where appropriate.
  
• Process nominations to Housing Associations, Registered Providers, ALMOs and Housing Co-operatives.
  
• Support mobility schemes and transfer initiatives to maximise housing opportunities for applicants.
  
• Provide clear advice and guidance to applicants regarding housing options, allocations and lettings processes.
  
• Work closely with Housing Associations, ALMOs, Registered Providers and partner organisations to maximise the effective use of available social housing stock.
  
• Monitor and review nominations and lettings performance against agreed targets.
  
• Investigate and resolve complex allocation and verification issues.
  
• Respond to customer enquiries, complaints and appeals professionally and within agreed timescales.
  
• Produce accurate management information, statistical data and detailed performance reports.
  
• Contribute to service improvements and support the delivery of housing service objectives.
  
• Liaise effectively with colleagues across Housing Services and other Council departments to promote a joined-up and integrated approach to service delivery.
  
• Ensure compliance with housing legislation, data protection requirements, Council policies and equality duties.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Experience working within Housing Allocations, Housing Needs, Homelessness, Lettings or Housing Management.
  
• Knowledge of housing allocation legislation, guidance and best practice.
  
• Experience verifying and assessing housing applications.
  
• Experience administering Choice Based Lettings schemes.
  
• Understanding of social housing allocation processes and nomination arrangements.
  
• Experience conducting investigations and assessing eligibility criteria.
  
• Ability to interpret housing policies, procedures and legislation.
  
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet competing deadlines.
  
• Experience producing reports, statistics and performance information.
  
• Strong IT skills, including housing management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and safeguarding principles.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a Local Authority Housing Service.
  
• Experience carrying out home visits and verification investigations.
  
• Knowledge of Housing Register management.
  
• Understanding of transfer schemes and mobility programmes.
  
• Experience working with Registered Providers, ALMOs and Housing Associations.
  
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing options services.
  

Additional Information

• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Location: Lambeth - Hybrid Working / Council Offices
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments