INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

Job title: Neighbourhood Services Officer

Salary: SO2 £37,280 - £39,152

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Full Time post based at Merrion House

Are you interested in an opportunity to support Leeds City Council Housing Leeds provide a high quality service to our tenants and applicants and to drive service improvements?

The Lettings and Tenancy Management Team supports the work of the Leeds Homes website, nominations management, Lettings and Tenancy management policy and service improvement, and the development and handover the council housing growth programme.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

Roles within the team can be very demanding, however, extremely rewarding. We are looking for someone who:

Has excellent IT skills
Has experience of managing projects
Can work with high levels of accuracy
Can work to deadlines
Has a track record of fostering good relationships with internal and external partners to achieve positive outcomes

About the role

Based at Merrion House you will be working to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements including:

Supporting with the production of data and data analysis on lettings and tenancy management
Policy and procedure reviews to ensure compliance with the Consumer Standards.
Supporting the housing under-occupation and mutual exchange incentive scheme
Strengthen compliance of lettings and tenancy management functions
Developing customer satisfaction approaches for Lettings and Tenancy Management.
You will demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and will be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. You will be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and other IT systems.

We would like to hear from you if you can demonstrate the ability to process information accurately to meet deadlines, and to summarise complex issues and write and present reports. You will need to have a positive attitude towards providing a quality service and attention to detail is essential.

A flexible approach to work is important, as is the ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a willingness to learn and develop in the role.

The job is office-based (hybrid). It is offered on a full time basis but applications for flexible work arrangements are also welcomed.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidancefor further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Vicki Hooper, Service Manager 0113 378 2444 or email vicki.hooper@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visaroute before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose

To deliver an efficient, customer focused service which maximises performance levels and achieves continuous improvements in all areas of housing management services.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To deliver a housing management service within the Neighbourhood Services areas of Income Management, Tenant and Community Involvement, Lettings and Tenancy Management Policy and Older Persons Housing.
To actively contribute towards the development, review and improvement of policies and strategies in line with current legislation and best practice.
To deliver training and support to officers within area housing teams relating to the implementation of policies and procedures and work with officers to improve service delivery of a Neighbourhood Service area.
To work with tenants and communities to ensure that policies and procedures and the Housing Leeds service meets the needs of tenants and communities.
To review the performance / outcomes of a Neighbourhood Service area and use the results to influence policy development or work with area housing teams to improve practice.
To work in partnership with other teams and departments to ensure joined up services to tenants and other service users.
To develop positive working relationships with key stakeholders including: tenants, applicants and other partner organisations.
To take a people-orientated solutions-focussed approach to dealing with customers, quickly and professionally.
To manage a budget where applicable and ensure value for money in all aspects of service delivery, and policy and procedure development.
To contribute to the delivery of service improvement plans.
To work with team members to ensure the delivery of high quality services and achievement of performance targets.
To contribute to the improvement of local service delivery in conjunction with appropriate stakeholders and partners.
To be personally effective, demonstrating commitment and time management.
Contribute to culture change to deliver focussed and continuously improving services.
To support the achievement of equality and diversity in both employment and service delivery including the promotion of equality of opportunity.
To ensure that the Council’s health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to.
To work outside normal working hours, where required.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

To demonstrate and embed the Council’s values and manager habits to lead, support and drive cultural change
To lead, manage, motivate, mentor and develop teams in accordance with council polices ensuring that they policies are understood and followed
To ensure that the team work professionally, competently and in a forward thinking and customer focused way whilst embracing collaborative partnership working to achieve excellence.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Qualifications

A degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience of managing in a housing context.

Personal Specification

Method of assessment will be through one or more of the following application form, test, interview, and certificate.

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.

Skills required

Able to communicate with and influence customers and other stakeholder.
Able to lead, motivate and empower staff to achieve positive outcomes.
Ability to identify operational problems, and develop innovative solutions across a full range of housing services.
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including members, external and internal partners and residents.
Ability to analyse and interpret complex information.
Ability to write concise reports, deliver presentations and chair meetings.
Competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft applications.
Able to manage conflicting priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.
Ability to manage and delegate resources effectively.
Able to work with trade unions and consult as necessary.
Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Knowledge required

A degree level qualification or equivalent relevant experience of managing in a housing context
Knowledge of the functions of a comprehensive housing management service.
Knowledge of Landlord’s statutory responsibilities.
Up to date knowledge of social housing and issues affecting the sector.
Up to date knowledge of housing legislation and policies.
An awareness of key stakeholders, partners and third sector organisations.

Experience required

Contributing to projects and initiatives.
Managing resources within defined budgets.
Working with residents and members to achieve defined outcomes.
Developing service objectives and operational delivery plans.
Recognising and dealing effectively with inappropriate behaviour.

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

Able to manage teams in line with the Council’s manager habits.
Able to demonstrate and promote a flexible and positive approach to change.
Committed to continuous improvement.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development
Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.

Desirable requirements

It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Knowledge required

Membership of a relevant professional body

Experience required

Recent experience of managing teams in a housing related context including motivation and staff development
Working with and consulting with trade unions.
Working within a political environment.

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