Bookings & Emergency Allocations Officer

Job Title: Booking & Emergency Allocations Officer
Location: East London (Office-based)
Rate: £29.29 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Initial 3 to 6 months (with opportunity to extend)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am to 6pm

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Booking & Emergency Allocations Officer to join a Local Authority Housing Team in East London. This frontline role is responsible for assessing the accommodation needs of homeless applicants and arranging placements into emergency, temporary, and permanent accommodation in line with statutory requirements and council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess accommodation needs of homeless applicants and book placements into suitable emergency, self-contained temporary, and permanent housing.
• Manage a caseload of applicants in bed & breakfast accommodation, liaising with assessment officers to ensure timely completion of enquiries.
• Provide customers with clear advice and guidance on housing options, supporting vulnerable households with their rehousing and resettlement needs.
• Assist applicants moving to self-contained accommodation, completing documentation, arranging furniture deliveries/removals, and attending accompanied viewings.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns including domestic violence, racial harassment, child/vulnerable adult protection issues, and anti-social behaviour reports, making referrals and recommendations as required.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure decisions are taken in line with established procedures.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Landlord & Tenant legislation, Family and Immigration law, welfare and housing benefits.
• Understanding of the Children Act, Community Care Act and associated case law relevant to homeless households.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Benefits system and wider welfare benefits.
• Proven experience within a Local Authority or Housing Association.
• Experience managing a housing caseload in areas such as tenancy management, property management, or income management.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to support vulnerable clients.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email.