Person

Specification

/ Tamworth
Borough
Council
Job Title:
Housing Options& Lettings Officer
Grade:5
Compiled by:
Lee Birch / Service Unit:
Housing & Health Directorate
Section:
Housing Management / Date Produced/Revised:
9th January 2013
Version No:1
Attributes / Job Requirements
1. Knowledge / What specialist knowledge is required in order to perform this job properly? E.g. foreign language abilities, computer skills, accounting and financial techniques, knowledge of employment legislation, familiarity with the locality etc.
  • To have knowledge of all of social housing issues or similar and services provided by Tamworth Borough Council, including legislation relating to Housing issues, Benefits, Council Tax.
  • Knowledge of computer systems.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office products
  • Knowledge of court processes & procedures.

2. Practical Skills / To what extent is the post holder required to be practically orientated, mechanically minded manually dextrous etc.
Competency matrix available.
Key skills include:
  • Ability to use a computer & office equipment i.e. photocopier, fax, keyboard, mouse.
  • Ability to obtain information quick and easily to ensure speed and accuracy when dealing with our customers.
  • Ability to deal with regular changes in the operational requirements of Tamworth Borough Council.
  • Be able to deal with several different tasks at any one time.
  • Ability to visit people in their own homes, chair meetings & carry out presentations to an audience.
  • Ability to write letters and reports in plain English.
  • Conduct face to face interview with people in challenging situations.
  • Ability to drive.
  • Excellent Telephone manner.
  • Good administration and organisational skills

3. Intellectual Skills / What abilities are necessary in respect of interpreting complex information, understanding detailed reports, decision making etc.?
  • Ability to interpret complex information and legislation and make decisions on the basis of this interpretation.
  • Ability to deal with regular changes in legislation and associated processes.
  • Methodical and organised approach.
  • Ability to make decisions on the basis of the assimilation of information.
  • Ability to use own initiative to resolve enquiries.
  • Be able to negotiate with colleagues at differing levels to resolve and ensure a prompt resolution of enquiries.
  • Possesses personal qualities such as tactfulness, diplomacy, and be self-assured under pressure.
  • Able to communicate effectively with members of the Council, the general public and colleagues.
  • Able to understand and follow detailed working procedures.

4. Educational Background / Are any formal qualifications essential to enable the post holder to carry out the duties of the appointment to an acceptable standard, or is relevant experience as beneficial? Describe specific qualifications, subject matter and level of attainment where appropriate, considering whether overseas/other equivalent courses are acceptable.
  • Minimum of 4 GCSE’s grade C or higher or equivalent

5. Training / What does the candidate require in the way of specialist training in order to be successful in this post? E.g. apprenticeship in a particular trade, supervisory management training, computer literacy, word processing, practical instruction in the use of equipment, interviewing skills etc. Can this compensate for lack of formal qualifications?
  • Evidence of computer literacy.
  • Customer Care skills.
  • Housing Management training or similar i.e.: rents, debt advice, tenancy support, tenancy enforcement, estate management.
  • Willing to undertake further training as required.

6. General Abilities / What general skills and abilities are required in this post? E.g. communication and interpersonal skills, self-reliance, self-motivation, co-operation, delegation, leadership, accuracy and attention to detail, tolerance of monotony etc.?
  • Ability to explain complex information in a simple manner.
  • Ability to undertake one off and routine tasks.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
  • Ability to relate to the public and deal with them in often difficult circumstances.
  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Highly developed interpersonal skills.
  • The postholder should at all times be able to deal with the public in a professional, courteous and efficient manner.
  • A flexible approach to tasks .
  • High quality customer care/service principals.
  • Ability to work to deadlines.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

7. Experience / Specify the type and length of job related experience needed by the candidate, including reference to the most appropriate working environment. Can any other experience e.g. through social, domestic or leisure activities supplement or replace this?
  • Experience of dealing with and solving a wide range of enquiries.
  • Experience of report writing and/or the ability to write effective letters.
  • Working knowledge of welfare benefits.
  • 2years experience of working within the social housing allocations sector or similar housing field.
  • Minimum of 12 months experience of using Microsoft Office Software.

8. Personal Circumstances / What personal circumstances are required in order to carry out the job duties properly? E.g. car ownership, the willingness to live in where necessary, or to travel, work away from home, work week ends or shifts etc.
  • Flexible approach to working hours, and work locations.
  • Car owner and clean driving licence essential.
  • Ability to work anywhere in the Borough.