Housing Allocations Team Leader Ref: 05-25

Job summary

Description of duties

• Support the Housing Solutions Team Leader in providing an effective Housing Solutions Service.
• Directly line manage the Allocation Team's officers, carrying out regular 1:1 supervision, appraisals, etc. with staff in accordance with Council policies and taking responsibility for their performance, development, conduct and attendance.
• Be responsible for the Choice Based Lettings service through overseeing the implementation of the Allocations Policy, the advertising of properties and partnership working with Registered Providers in Breckland.
• Be responsible for the Registered Provider partnership and nominations agreements, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing.
• Manage the contractual relationship with the IT systems provider(s) and be the key point of contact for upgrades and changes, working with the systems officer on detail.  Lead procurement activity to ensure best value for money and adherence to legislation.
• Act as duty manager on a rota basis, signing off temporary accommodation requests and dealing with enquiries from officers and customers as required.
• Sign off decisions on housing register eligibility, qualification and reduction in banding.  To assist the Housing Solutions team Manager and other Team Leaders in managing the use of temporary accommodation, with the aim of keeping occupation and expenditure to a minimum.
• Carry out reviews of decisions (statutory and informal) relating to the application of the Allocations Policy when requested by customers.
• Develop outcomes for the service and ensure suitable management information and performance information is known, understood and analysed, including the completing of statutory returns.
• Provide technical advice and expertise, assisting with the interpretation of new regulations,  legislation and the Code of Guidance, providing guidance and training as required.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, carrying out of investigations or making of recommendations in conjunction with the Team Manager and service management team for Cabinet, Scrutiny, senior managers or external agencies ensuring appropriate liaison and consultation with interested parties.
• Ensure that a high level of customer service is maintained at all times
• Ensure compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices, with recommendations for action and continuous improvement.
• Ensure relevant mailboxes are monitored and responses are appropriate and timely.
• Take personal responsibility to build and maintain relationships with key partners including housing associations, statutory bodies, and third and voluntary sector organisations and the general public.
• Develop and maintain open, honest and constructive relationships and be supportive to colleagues.
• Play an active role in driving forward improvements in customer service delivery including complaints, MP enquiries, FOI requests Subject Access Reviews and s.202 reviews
• To undertake any other duties as requested by the Housing Manager and the Housing Solutions Team Manager, appropriate to the level and competence of the post.

Primary Line/Performance Management Objectives of the Role

• To ensure the Housing Allocation Team's officers provide an excellent housing register and  choice based lettings service.
• To ensure officers remain focused on reducing the use of temporary accommodation.
• To ensure that all documentation and systems are kept up to date with accurate information

Primary Leadership Objectives of the Role

To lead the Housing Allocation Officers to deliver on the relevant statutory obligations.

Responsibilities for:

People - The post holder is responsible for developing a culture within the Housing Solutions Team and wider Housing Service which is linked to the behaviours and values of the Council. In addition, the post holder will be expected to look at improved ways and processes to benefit customers of the service and the wider organisation.

Finance - Responsible for the Choice Based Lettings budget.

Decision Making - Alongside other senior colleagues, assessing and processing all temporary accommodation, choice based lettings and broad housing advice related enquiries in a manner which is focused upon the sensitive requirements and needs of the customer.

Communications - Liaising with internal staff members of staff and portfolio holders. Direct communication and contact with external partners including but not exclusive to Breckland residents, tenants and landlords, organisations/representatives, Government and non-governmental organisations. Take a personal responsibility to build and maintain relationships with key partners, including private landlords, housing associations, statutory bodies, and third and voluntary sector organisations and the general public.

This job description is not exhaustive.

The job description outlines the current position and will be subject to review in the light of development within the service, in consultation with the post holder as detailed in your Contract of Employment.