Housing Choice & Applications Officer

Location: Romford 

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 6 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: £20.92 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 36 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Public

Based: Office 

Key Responsibilities

• Assess housing register applications in line with the Housing Allocation Policy and Housing Act 1996 (Part VI).
• Determine applicants’ eligibility for social housing and communicate decisions clearly in writing.
• Conduct interviews and assessments to identify housing, financial and support needs.
• Refer applicants to specialist services including Housing Medical Advisers, Occupational Therapy and support agencies where appropriate.
• Provide clear and accurate advice to residents on housing options including social housing, private renting, shared ownership, mutual exchange and relocation.
• Support residents with welfare benefits information, income maximisation, tenancy support and debt advice.
• Deliver a responsive, customer-centred service, particularly when working with vulnerable residents.
• Advertise properties through the Choice Based Lettings system and shortlist eligible applicants.
• Undertake pre-tenancy checks and arrange accompanied property viewings.
• Provide applicants with information about the property, tenancy conditions and local services.
• Prepare tenancy agreements and complete tenancy sign-ups, including home visits where required.
• Work proactively to minimise void periods and ensure properties are re-let quickly.
• Manage tenancy terminations, property keys and lock changes where required.
• Maintain accurate records and manage a caseload effectively, ensuring deadlines and service standards are met.
• Respond to enquiries, complaints and correspondence from residents, Work collaboratively with internal teams including Adult and Children’s Social Care and external partner agencies.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings where required to support complex housing cases.
• Contribute to service improvements and ensure CORE returns and performance monitoring requirements are completed.

Experience & Skills

• Experience working within housing allocations, housing register management or housing advice services.
• Knowledge of Housing Act 1996 (Part VI) and housing allocation policies.
• Understanding of housing legislation relating to tenancy security, welfare benefits and domestic abuse.
• Experience supporting vulnerable customers and handling sensitive information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide clear written and verbal advice.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload, prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.
• Good IT skills including use of housing systems and databases.
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service and promoting equality and diversity.
• Compliance with Council policies including Health & Safety, Data Protection and Safeguarding.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate flexibility in service delivery, including working across council sites where required.