Allocations Officer

About the role

The London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an experienced Allocations Officer to join its Housing Needs & Allocations Team on a contract basis. You will assess housing register applications, manage the allocations process and ensure decisions comply with legislation and council policy.

Key responsibilities

• Assess and process new Housing Register applications in line with the Council's Allocation Scheme.
• Verify applicant eligibility, qualification and priority, ensuring accurate banding decisions.
• Maintain and update housing application records using the Council's housing management systems.
• Investigate changes in applicant circumstances and amend applications where appropriate.
• Respond to enquiries from applicants, elected members and partner agencies.
• Provide advice on housing options, bidding processes and allocation decisions.
• Carry out reviews and reassessments of housing register applications.
• Liaise with registered providers, internal departments and external agencies to facilitate property nominations.
• Monitor property offers, refusals and lettings to achieve targets.
• Ensure compliance with the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and related legislation.
• Prepare correspondence, decision letters and reports to a high standard.
• Maintain accurate case records and meet performance targets.

Required profile

• Previous experience as an Allocations Officer within a UK local authority.
• Strong knowledge of Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 and housing allocations legislation.
• Experience administering Housing Registers and Choice‑Based Lettings schemes.
• Ability to interpret housing legislation, allocation policies and statutory guidance.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload while meeting performance targets.

Required skills

• NEC Housing
• Jigsaw
• Civica
• Locata