Allocations Officer

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

To provide specialist advice and assistance in relation to the Council’s Allocations Scheme and Nominations Agreement, ensuring that all housing allocations are delivered lawfully, fairly and efficiently.

The postholder will manage housing register applications, oversee the allocation and direct matching of properties, and support the implementation of a Choice Based Lettings (CBL) module.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and determine housing register applications in accordance with the Council’s Allocations Scheme and relevant legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and associated statutory guidance.
  




• Make decisions on application eligibility, qualification, priority banding, and bedroom entitlement.
  




• Cross\-reference housing register applications with housing advice and homelessness approaches to support a wider housing solutions service.
  




• Provide clear, accurate advice to applicants regarding their housing options and status.

• Be responsible for the allocation process through to the successful matching and offer of accommodation.
  




• Allocate accommodation in line with the Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme via direct matching processes.
  




• Administer direct matching for priority groups, including:
  

  
  
  
  

  • Applicants with medical needs (including delayed discharge from care cases)
    

  
  

  • Under\-occupiers
    

  
  

  • Homeless households
    

  
  



• Coordinate the input and management of void and new build properties from Housing Associations.
  




• Work closely with Registered Providers to ensure compliance with the Council’s Nominations Agreement.

• Ensure all housing legislation, statutory guidance, and local policy requirements are adhered to in the context of housing allocations.
  




• Maintain accurate, up\-to\-date case records and audit trails.
  




• Prepare written decision letters and responses to reviews and enquiries.
  




• Contribute to performance monitoring, reporting and service improvements.

• Use housing management systems effectively, including:
  

  
  
  
  

  • NEC (Northgate)
    

  
  

  • Civica
    

  
  

  • Jigsaw (in allocations/housing register context)
    

  
  



• Support the implementation and ongoing development of a Choice Based Lettings (CBL) module.
  




• Ensure data integrity and compliance with data protection requirements.
  

Requirements

• Practical experience of administering housing allocations within a local authority or Registered Provider setting.
  




• Experience assessing housing register applications and awarding banding.
  




• Experience of direct matching and Choice Based Lettings systems.
  




• Practical working knowledge of NEC (Northgate), Civica and/or Jigsaw housing systems in an allocations or housing register context.
  




• Experience of working within Nominations Agreements with Housing Associations.

• Sound knowledge of housing allocations legislation and statutory guidance, particularly the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI and VII).
  




• Understanding of homelessness duties and wider housing options approaches.
  




• Knowledge of medical priority assessments and under\-occupation initiatives.
  

• Bi\-Weekly payments
  


• 37 Working Hours Per Week