Housing Allocations Team Leader

A leading public sector organisation is seeking committed and experienced Housing Allocations Team Leader to join the Housing and Communities Directorate in our client office.

Job Title: Housing Allocations Team Leader

Contract Type: Contract

Advertised Salary: Up to 25.38 (PAYE) or 33 (Umbrella) per hour

Location: Hybrid (23 days in the office)

Duration of assignment: 3 months temporary

Purpose and Impact:

As the Housing Allocations Team Leader you will support the Housing Allocations & Quality Manager by:

• Leading managing and developing the Housing Allocations Team.
  
• Administering the Council s Housing Register including the allocation of Councilowned properties and nominations to partner registered providers following the Housing Allocations Scheme.
  
• Providing comprehensive housing advice and information to households in need ensuring their housing requirements are met.
  
• Accountability:
  
• You will report to the Housing Allocations and Quality Manager and will oversee the Housing Allocations Officers. This role is part of the Housing Solutions Service within the Communities & Opportunities Directorate at West Northamptonshire Council.
  

Key Responsibilities:

Team Supervision and Management:

• Provide strong supervision line management support and guidance to the Housing Allocations Team.
  
• Ensure the team administers the Council s Housing Register and provides housing advice in line with policies and legislation.
  

Policy Compliance and Performance Monitoring:

• Ensure the team follows the Housing Allocations Policy and Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996.
  
• Assess applications for the Housing Register determine applicant priorities and manage the allocation of properties.
  
• Regularly monitor team performance provide advice and manage complex cases.
  

Eligibility and Prioritisation:

• Supervise the assessment of Housing Register applications to ensure compliance with the Housing Allocations Policy and relevant legislation.
  
• Oversee applications involving medical needs ensuring appropriate prioritization and collaboration with the Council s medical advisor.
  

Partnership Management:

• Maintain effective relationships with the Council s ALMO and Registered Providers.
  
• Ensure compliance with Housing Allocations Policy and nomination agreements.
  

Housing Register Reviews:

• Conduct reviews of Housing Register applications within defined timescales.
  
• Collaborate with Legal Services for Judicial Review challenges ensuring proper documentation and adherence to guidance.
  

Service Delivery and Improvement:

• Support the Housing Allocations & Quality Manager and Head of Housing Solutions in achieving service objectives and targets.
  
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to address housing needs.
  
• Collaborate with other services and external bodies to develop joint working protocols and service level agreements.
  

Continuous Improvement:

• Promote continuous learning and knowledge improvement within the team.
  
• Ensure timely updates and interpretation of revisions to legislation and policies.
  

Maximise Efficiency:

• Enhance personal productivity reduce duplication and manage information securely.
  
• Utilize Office 365 and internal IT systems effectively.
  

Promote Equality and Safety:

• Actively challenge discriminatory practices and behaviors.
  
• Ensure health safety and welfare of yourself and others.
  

Person Specification:

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent leadership negotiation and influencing skills. Ability to empower and motivate a team. (Essential)
  
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written including report writing. (Essential)
  
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for handling complex issues compassionately and managing conflicts. (Essential)
  
• High level of customer care skills especially in dealing with vulnerable customers. (Essential)
  
• Strong analytical and problemsolving skills. (Essential)
  
• Commitment to meeting targets and achieving positive outcomes. (Essential)
  
• Effective relationshipbuilding and negotiation skills. (Essential)
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. (Essential)
  
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. (Essential)
  
• Ability to work independently and make consistent decisions. (Essential)
  
• Proficiency in Office 365 and willingness to undertake relevant training. (Essential)
  
• ICT skills to maximize the use of software applications. (Essential)
  
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as needed. (Essential)
  
• Understanding of safeguarding in a housing environment. (Essential)
  

Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge of housing law including the Housing Act 1996 Parts VI and VII and related legislation. (Essential)
  
• Understanding of eligibility for homelessness assistance based on immigration status. (Essential)
  
• Awareness of local regional and national housing policies. (Essential)
  
• Insight into the dynamics of the public sector and local government. (Essential)
  
• Knowledge of welfare reform and benefits system changes. (Essential)
  
• Familiarity with services offered by internal and external agencies. (Essential)
  
• Understanding of project management and service improvement methodologies. (Essential)
  
• Strong grasp of equal opportunities in service delivery. (Essential)
  
  

Relevant Experience:

• Proven experience in leading highperforming teams in a customerfocused environment. (Essential)
  
• Experience in a housing allocations service with high demand and time pressures. (Essential)
  
• Experience in delivering statutory housing services and providing legal advice on housing matters. (Essential)
  
• Experience in investigating complex cases and achieving positive resolutions. (Essential)
  
• Experience in service improvement and productivity enhancement initiatives. (Essential)
  
• Experience in joint working in a multiagency context. (Essential)
  
• Experience in collaborative work to meet housing needs. (Essential)
  

Education and Qualifications:

• Degree level education or equivalent experience in a related role. (Essential)
  
• Chartered Institute of Housing Chartered Membership or willingness to attain it. (Essential)
  
• Evidence of continuous professional development. (Essential)
  

Excellent leadership, negotiation, and influencing skills. Ability to empower and motivate a team. (Essential) Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including report writing. (Essential) Exceptional interpersonal skills for handling complex issues compassionately and managing conflicts. (Essential) High level of customer care skills, especially in dealing with vulnerable customers. (Essential) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. (Essential) Commitment to meeting targets and achieving positive outcomes. (Essential) Effective relationship-building and negotiation skills. (Essential) Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. (Essential) Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. (Essential) Ability to work independently and make consistent decisions. (Essential) Proficiency in Office 365 and willingness to undertake relevant training. (Essential) ICT skills to maximize the use of software applications. (Essential) Flexibility to work outside normal hours and travel as needed. (Essential) Understanding of safeguarding in a housing environment. (Essential)