Job Description

Job title: Housing Assistance


Salary: B3 GBP25,584- GBP27,269


Hours: 37 per week


Contract: full time


Location: Leeds


As a Housing Assistance you thrive on joining a Leeds housing Options service. To provide quality housing management services to meet the needs of customers and communities, making a positive contribution to the social and physical environment of the area.


Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our

council values

and

ambitions

.

About you

Ability to communicate effectively with customers and partners Knowledge of current social Housing, and issues affecting the sector. Experience of developing effective working relationships with resident Rent collection

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-paced service and helping support families in emergency situations. You will be working alongside a fast-paced team supporting the placements made into emergency Accommodation.


You will be supporting the placements and prevention team and move on team within Leeds Housing Options.


You will be supporting in setting up the tenancies and rent collection of these placements throughout different sites in the city.


Supporting families in benefit claims and setting update direct debits where rents are chargeable. We provide excellent customer service skills and would like someone to join the team who can offer and support our clients. Capturing any supportive needs and make sure they understand the fire safety aspects whilst living on site.


You will be responsible for setting up rent accounts for clients in any temporary accommodation provisions and supporting with rent collections and direct debits.


You will be completing an occupancy agreement with them when placed into a temporary setting and making sure clients are understanding these, whilst offering support such as interpreters. You would be working with partners internal and external. Supporting families with benefit claims to support rental collection.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:


a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of

staff benefits

to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Complete the online application form.

Read our guidance

for further advice on completing your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role contact Caroline Poskitt or Phil Pelter] Call 0113 3789621] or email

caroline.1.poskitt@leeds.gov.uk

or

phil.pelter@leeds.gov.uk

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children or Adultsbarred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates. Read our

recruitment of ex-offenders policy

.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.





This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.


If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the

Skilled Worker visa

route before applying.To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least GBP38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Purpose:

To provide quality housing management services to meet the needs of customers and communities, making a positive contribution to the social and physical environment of the area.

Principal Responsibilities:

In liaison with the manager/senior officer, to be responsible for ensuring delivery of a high quality and efficient services. To assist in providing a range support services for internal and external customers. To work as part of a team of housing advisors to provide customer focused services. To liaise with colleagues in order to prioritise work to meet conflicting deadlines. To maintain accurate records and track progress of work. To assist with the induction of new staff including the demonstration of duties. Ordering and monitoring stock supplies. Preparing routine correspondence and standard letters and forms. Managing meeting rooms and dealing with hospitality and signing-in of visitors. Assist with the arrangements for conferences, forums and other events. Act as the first point of contact for visitors and customers both in person and on the telephone. Provide an excellent customer service to customers, colleagues and visitors. To use IT applications and databases effectively to deliver tasks. Operate relevant equipment/ICT packages e.g. word, excel, databases, spreadsheets, Internet. To input and retrieve data using computerised systems. To collate and prepare information from a variety of sources. Operate relevant equipment/ICT packages e.g. word, excel, databases, spreadsheets, Internet. Undertake general financial and administration duties. Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required and to take notes at meetings. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Understand and abide by the Council equal opportunities policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. To gather information from service users to assess the service required. Make appropriate referrals for housing support as and when required. Contact with tenants using various forms of communication, including visits to tenants in their own homes.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.


Method Of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.

Skills required

Ability to deal with the general public in a responsive manner. Ability to deal with high volumes of enquiries both at the public counter and over the telephone. Ability to demonstrate patience and understanding with service users. Ability to deal with relevant procedures and maintain standard documentation. Ability to advise service users on relevant procedures. Ability to work within a team. Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively both face to face in writing and by telephone. Ability to demonstrate customer care. To adhere to LCC Financial Rules and Regulations and Standing Orders. To handle cash accurately. Ability to use computerised systems. Ability to record and maintain information received from all sources accurately. To provide a welcoming environment to service users. To assist other members of staff with duties when required. A good level of numeracy and literacy skills.

Knowledge required

An awareness of customer care.

Experience

Of working in a customer facing environment. Of working as part of a team.

Behavioural & Other Related Characteristics require

Demonstrate a commitment to Council Values. Positive and flexible approach to change. Commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Willing to support and promote equality and diversity. Commitment to providing excellent service to customers. Commitment to personal learning and development.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills required

Of working in an office environment.

Knowledge required

Knowledge of the role of the Council Housing Service and its responsibilities in managing homes and communities. Knowledge of current housing issues. Awareness of customer engagement. * An understanding of equality issues.