Housing Officer

Job Title: Housing Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £43,777.03
Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid, Monday to Friday
Location: Arlington Road, Camden NW1 7HE

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications based on any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as a Housing officer

The office base will be Arlington, Camden please be aware the patch will be East London however this may be subject to change. As a frontline worker you will maximize the economic viability, social sustainability and self sufficiency of the tenancies in your patch through targeted support, services and action, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with customers. You will work collaboratively as part of a committed team that puts the customer first by delivering an outstanding housing management service across a number of defined properties.

About you

We are looking for someone with
• An understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable and diverse customer groups and individuals with complex needs.
• Proven track record of delivering a high quality customer service function, preferably in the housing sector
• Be a team player with a caring, empathetic, flexible and have a resilient, can-do attitude.
• Ability to remain calm in pressurized environment

Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Role profile

Deliver an Allocation & Letting Service:
• Liaise with external stakeholders to deliver an effective referral pathway into the service/properties.
• Ensure occupancy targets are met, through lettings and refurbishment of empty properties in line with the scheme’s re-allocation procedures.
• Allocate properties ensuring customers meet the criteria, affordability and required landlord checks.
• Meet with customers to provide practical support with setting up a new tenancy, ensuring all documents are complete and liaising with external stakeholders if required.
• Show new customers the accommodation and communal amenities, clearly communicating tenant responsibilities and compliance to enable them to fulfil and maximise their tenancy.
• Visit new customers to make sure they are settling into their accommodation and are being supported to follow their tenancy agreement
Deliver a Housing Management Service:
• Be responsible for ensuring empty properties are referred to Asset colleagues for void works, following the void procedure to ensure rooms are ready-to-let.
• Report and monitor the delivery of reactive repairs within properties to ensure they are maintained and health and safety compliant.
• Liaise with contractors and colleagues around planned maintenance programmes, ensuring that on-site delivery is well co-ordinated and in line with customer requirements.
• Undertake day-to-day housing management duties, ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained within services and that rooms are prepared, ready for site inspections.
• Proactively support customers experiencing issues that may put their accommodation at risk; where appropriate issuing warnings and Notices to Determine (NTDs) in consultation with Service Managers.
• Prepare files and case notes in readiness for court.
• Deliver a tenancy sustainment advice service to support customers to maintain their accommodation, e.g. claiming correct benefits.
• Work directly with customers to monitor or reduce issues of anti-social behaviour within the service.
• Meet regularly with customers to discuss ways to improve their accommodation, promoting involvement and consultation on matters impacting their housing.
• Ensure the safety of our customers by recognizing and acting on any risk by following local safeguarding procedures and escalating appropriately.
• Monitor and assist in maintaining health and safety requirements standards.
Deliver an Administration Service:
• Carryout administrative tasks to support efficient running of the service.
• Produce reports and other written documentation as required to support housing management delivery.
• Maintain and update clear, accurate and strength-based records on the appropriate digital platform.
• Assist schemes in daily operational tasks, including answering phones and working on Reception, as required.

Person specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:
• An understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable and diverse customer groups and individuals with complex needs.
• Experience of working within housing management.
• Be a team player with a caring, empathetic, flexible and have a resilient, can-do attitude.
• Previous experience in positively resolving incidents.
• Demonstrate initiative and confidence to make and act on decisions.
• Competent administrative and IT skills (to be able to produce reports and other communications)

Desirable:

• Knowledge of current benefit systems.
• Knowledge of Housing regulations.
• Experience of working in challenging environments with the ability to plan,