Housing Advice Assistant - Lomond - ARB15124

Service: Housing Services, Development & Economic Growth

Closing Date: Wednesday 30th October 2024

We are seeking a key frontline member of staff to join our area Housing Team which covers the Helensburgh and Lomond area.

The post holder will assist the Housing Team Leader to deliver high quality services and best value for service users by ensuring that all agreed plans are implemented efficiently and effectively. In particular:

• Interview homeless applicants; accurately complete all relevant needs assessments and ensure appropriate referrals are made for support and accommodation provision.
• Verify and input data for housing systems
• identify housing options for people at risk of homelessness and give appropriate advice
• Carry out background investigations into homeless applications
• Assist with arrangements for the provision of temporary accommodation
• Provide advice to temporary tenants on matters relating to their occupancy e.g. repairs; rent payments; neighbor complaints etc.
• Liaise with housing team members to ensure housing support needs are assessed and appropriate support is put in place
• Maintain files in an orderly system ensuring all necessary information including correspondence, assessments and supporting information is available as required and records are complete
• Participate in the out of hour’s response service when necessary to meet the requirements of the service
• Respect the confidentiality of clients, colleagues and other departments/agencies at all times.
• Work within the Equal Opportunities policies and other values of the Council
• Assist the Housing Team Leader to manage budgets by preparing purchase orders and invoices for housing service and maintain financial records relating to accommodation charges and expenditure

This is a permanent, full time post, 35 hrs per week, worked Monday to Friday 9am -5pm with an hour for lunch.

The successful candidate will meet the following Essential Criteria:

• 3 Standard Grades (Level 1,2) including English and Maths.
• Front line customer service
• Aptitude for IT systems and ability to input data accurately.
• The jobholder will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Argyll and Bute and beyond to meet the operational requirements of the Service.
• Level 1 competencies - Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, investigative interviewing skills, awareness of customer focused service delivery, customer focused service delivery

It is desirable that the post holder has:

• Relevant Professional Development Award in Housing Information and Advice Provision
• Previous work experience within a public sector housing environment
• Knowledge of housing information and advice and housing legislation

Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description you will require to speak with the recruiting manager, who is:

• Flora Lamont, Team Lead - Housing Operations
• Telephone:
• Email: flora.lamont@argyll-bute.gov.uk
• Reference: ARB15124/011647

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.