Housing Solutions Assistant

Dartford Housing Services really value the contribution our staff make and in return, we offer the opportunity to ‘make a difference’ and go home at the end of the day with a very real feeling of accomplishment.  We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and organised professional who is looking for a challenging new role in a busy housing office environment.  
To provide effective administrative, customer facing and casework support to the Housing Solutions Officers managing households accommodated in temporary accommodation under the council’s statutory homelessness duties. 

Duties and responsibilites will include:

•    Support Housing Solutions Officers in managing households placed in temporary accommodation.
•    Maintain accurate records of placements, accommodation details, occupance and household circumstances. Complete all move in and move out admin for temporary accommodation placements.
•    Assist with temporary accommodation moves, transfers and changes of accommodation placements including all necessary administrative support.
•    Support with housing benefit claims and rent account monitoring for clients residing in temporary accommodation
•    Liaise with temporary accommodation providers regarding repairs, property condition, access, antisocial behaviour, occupancy issues and other accommodation matters, keeping up to date records and monitoring ongoing to ensure repairs are completed.
•    Assist housing officers in gathering information and evidence relevant to homelessness cases
•    Monitor and manage accommodation services inbox, respond to telephone calls, emails and face to face enquiries professionally.
•    Signpost or refer customers to relevant support services where appropriate
•    Ensure record keep is up to date & accurate.
•    Organise and manage housing officers diaries, booking in temporary accommodation visits

You must be able to demonstrate:

•    Excellent numeracy, written, oral communication and organisational skills;
•    Confidence, enthusiasm and a flexible approach;
•    Excellent administration skills, accuracy and attention to detail;
•    Good keyboard skills and the proven ability to learn and utilise new software;
•    The ability to discuss sensitive issues with our customers calmly