Complete assessments of applications to join the housing register including re-registration to keep their applications up to date. Assess households who do not qualify to register and provide advice to them about alternative housing options Assess household who do qualify to register and activate their applications Determine for each application - Their effective date (waiting time) - Level of preference - Any special factors affecting their application, Complete medical assessments of applications for preference on medical grounds alongside Provide comprehensive housing advice on housing options for applicants to the housing register Notify applicants on decisions on their applications Role Context: This position is fundamental to the provision of allocations processes across the range of areas affecting vulnerable customers on the housing register, in temporary accommodation and who are being assisted into the private rented sector to prevent homelessness or discharge the housing duty. This role requires good knowledge of the law relating to part VI of the Housing Act 1996 The post holder will be required to have good knowledge of the law affecting housing allocations and be familiar with other housing advice and homelessness legislation, other general housing legislation, welfare benefit expertise and knowledge of the adult & children social care environment and impact and to use this knowledge to support customers and achieve positive outcomes The post holder will be required to have knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Children Act, and the Care Act. Combined with specialist knowledge of the Welfare Reform Act. The post holder will be required to use knowledge of the Housing Allocations Policy, Code of Guidance and Part V1 of the 1996 Housing Act to work collaboratively with customers to identify the most appropriate and effective solutions to their housing problems and to do so proactively at the most appropriate time � ensuring the maximum opportunities for early intervention 2. Operations and Support Co-ordinate the advertising of void properties in council or Registered provider (RP) stock with Choice Homes UK (CHUK) Allocate permanent homes through a combination of preparing and analysing shortlists from choice-based lettings bidders and direct matching in line with designated groups identified by the Housing Allocations Scheme Complete direct matching processes for a range of vulnerable applicants on the housing register with specific requirements: Provide comprehensive advice to applicants on other housing options, including mobility schemes � mutual exchange, Homefinder, Pan London Housing Moves, Seaside and Country Homes, Homes out of London etc. and refer households to the Mobility Officer to take advantage of schemes. Allocate temporary accommodation and privately rented accommodation to prevent homelessness and discharge the homeless duty (PRSO�s) and do so according to the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and in line with the suitability assessment Make placements into temporary accommodation and prevention and PRSO�s. Complete the letting process for temporary, prevention and PRSO properties, including arranging for the customer to be interviewed, conducting the interview, providing advice, completing the process with customers and placing relevant updates on systems. Activate refusal processes where customers decline offers of temporary accommodation or prevention or PRSO�s and liaise with the team leader and Suitability Officer in relation to potential discharges of duty. Any other duties appropriate to the post and grade. 3. Systems and Process Development and Improvement To utilise the housing register allocations system to create records and provide key monitoring information and to support the process of allocating and letting homes To update the homelessness system to feed into a personal housing plan for each customer To maintain customers' electronic files on infowork providing a thorough audit trail of activity and key documents in line with the agreed process 4. Communication Partnership To develop effective working relationships with colleagues within Redbridge, other council and statutory services, RP�s, external bodies, service users, voluntary and other housing organisations and ensure effective referrals. To assist in developing the full range of information and publicity for all clients as well as supporting the development of internal procedures. To understand the value of information to the council and to contribute to good information governance by keeping information safe, accurate up to date and available to those who need it. Officers are required to abide by the council's information governance policies. To provide advice services to clients through personal or telephone interviews, correspondence, advocacy, reception, home visiting, outreach work and surgeries, workshops and talks to customer groups. To deal with enquiries, complaints and correspondence from clients and their advocates, including solicitors, councillors, MPs, the ombudsman and other housing providers, in line with the Council�s complaints and enquiries procedure. The officer is required to take reasonable care for the safety and health of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts; and to work with management to comply with Service/Unit procedures and protocols and with Redbridge Council�s Health and Safety Policy and all guidance, instructions and risk assessments. In particular, the officer is required to attend training relevant to their post in order to ensure their health and safety responsibilities are met. Officers are required to liaise with customers, statutory organisation, advocates and third sector providers to arrive at a sustainable housing solution for customers with complex and multiple needs for example mental health combined with drug and or alcohol addiction. To contribute to the production of publicity and advice material for use by Council, Members, public and range of external and external agencies. To represent the team at meetings with a broad range of external organisations. Key external contacts Councils� choice based lettings providers Choice Homes UK and Abritas, RP�s, Private sector landlords, East London Housing Partnership, Other Local Authority Housing allocations teams. Members, MPs, Solicitors, Advocates, Advice Agencies, People Directorate, Health, Redbridge Enforcement, Youth Offending Team, Police, Probation Service, third sector providers, service users, their friends, relatives and advisors 5. Performance and Standards Recognising the critical impact of poor housing and homelessness on customers, and delivering early, accurate and high-quality advice Responsibility for accurate record keeping and use of systems to ensure comprehensive ability to report on customers' service provision and overall rehousing trends: To ensure that processes are proactively managed and key deadlines, especially around void turnaround, are adhered to To answer members' enquiries and draft responses to complaints/enquiries on individual cases as required. To provide statistical information on performance as requested. To meet performance targets and ensure that high quality standards and maintained. Key Performance Outcomes Local authority void turnaround Number of prevention properties and PRSO�s let Numbers in B&B over 6 weeks Void turnaround and void percentage for TA 6. Resource Management The postholder has no specific budget management responsibilities. However, decisions can have significant financial impacts and cause both the commitment of resources and of long-term housing provision commitments. To assist in the training and induction of new staff. Corporate Accountabilities All employees of the Council should undertake and conduct their work with due regard to the corporate accountabilities (available on the Redbridge Council website). These include responsibilities for outcomes regarding Equality, Conduct & Behaviour, Health & Safety, Data Protection, Safeguarding and Customer Care Flexibility The key responsibilities and duties of the role are neither exclusive nor exhaustive. All workers are expected to operate flexibly to support the delivery of services and from time to time will be required to undertake responsibilities outside the normal remit of role description as required by the line manager, which are broadly commensurate with the job level and scope of competence.