Housing Assistant - Abingdon, United Kingdom - South Oxfordshire District Council

South Oxfordshire District Council

Verified Company

Abingdon, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Salary and grade:
£24,760 per annum, Grade 3

Duration of role:
Fixed term - 1 year

Hours per week:
Full-time - 37 hours per week - Monday to Friday

Location:
Hybrid, Office base Abingdon

Closing date: 23 June 2023

Interviews: 29 June 2023

The aim of the housing needs team is to ensure that people in housing need have access to the housing and support necessary to meet their requirements.

The housing assistant will play an active role in meeting these aims, and in the provision of an efficient and effective housing service by:

answering basic telephone enquiries and dealing with routine correspondence

- ensuring that customer care, Best Value and best practice are given priority
- processing invoices and dealing with enquiries relating to payments and bills
- ensuring that accurate and appropriate records are kept using both computer and manual systems, ensuring that confidentiality and data protection are observed
- assisting in the preparation and presentation of statistics, reports and other documentation as required
- ordering stationery and equipment as required
- making bookings for meetings or other events and taking minutes of meetings
- developing and maintaining good working relationships with colleagues within the team, across the District Councils and with external and partner agencies as appropriate
- assisting with project work as required
- attending and participating in meetings and training events as required
- playing an active role in the work of the team, ensuring that team and corporate priorities and targets are met and that procedures are followed
- undertaking any other duties relating to the work of the team as required

Your essential skills, knowledge and experience
- experience of dealing with vulnerable, and in some cases distressed people
- experience of face to face contact with customers
- knowledge of advice and support services likely to be relevant to the team's customers
- good oral and written communication skills
- good interpersonal skills
- understanding of confidentiality
- experience of working well in a team
- full driving license and use of a car insured for business use

Your essential qualifications

5 GCSE's at grades A C, or equivalent level of qualification

If you have the following experience or qualifications - it's a bonus
- knowledge of tenancy law and housing legislation
- knowledge of welfare rights
- knowledge of data protection legislation
- familiarity with the Districts
- experience of working in local government
- experience of working in social housing

Your style and behaviours
Your approach at work needs to mirror our vision and values which are detailed below.

In particular for this role, the following points are essential:

- enthusiastic and positive attitude
- commitment to customer care
- commitment to best practice
- ability to cope with a busy and sometimes stressful workload
- ability to deal calmly and sympathetically with customers who may be angry or distressed
- sense of humour and perspective
- understanding of and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
- positive attitude to professional and personal development
- professional appearance and manner
- willingness to attend meetings out of office hours when necessary

About Us

Our Vision:

We strive to be customer-focused, approachable, and business-like. We value honesty, openness, and the provision of high-quality, cost-effective services.

Our Values:

Acting with integrity and showing respect.
Being accountable.
Having passion for our business.
Striving for simplicity.
Celebrating success.

The Benefits We Offer:

Basic 24 days annual leave per annum, rising to 29 days after five years, plus bank holidays and time off between Christmas and New Year.
Salary pay awards, with potential for increases after six months or the following April, and annual salary reviews.
Generous career average pension scheme, including life insurance.
Opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme.
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme.
Various schemes to promote health and wellbeing.
Two days per year for volunteering within the local community.