Does anyone work for the Housing Department (Local Government)?

[SalaciousCrumb]

I have an assessment day coming up which involves a group discussion, maths and literacy tests. If I pass that, they will interview me for a part time position as Customer Services Officer.

I will find out as much as I can about how the social housing system works in our area, housing benefits etc. I am not sure what to expect though.

My first stop will be looking at the Council's website, but can anyone advise me on what I may be asked, etc?

Thanks!

[PartyFops]

I would research things like, diversity, how to deal with challenging customers, new benefit reforms, working within a team, time management. This is on top of how social housing in your area works, does it have choice based lettings? or a points system? etc

good luck!

[PartyFops]

oh and learn about data protection too, if you are in customer services you want to make sure you dont give peoples information out and to check that you are speaking with the person they say they are.

[Trousers99]

Most councils and registered social landlords have adopted the compentency framework approach to selection. They should/will have given you a list of competencies that they are looking for as part of the person spec. Find it, read it and think of examples of times when you have demonstrated these competencies.

At that kind of level it will usually be
customer service/dealing with difficult customers
acting commercially / Value for money
Equality and diversity

It would help if you could demonstrate a knowledge of the sector but is not the be all and end all.
As partyfops said, find out about how they allocate.
Find out about welfare reform/bedroom tax as this is the big issue that housing will have to deal with in April.
Find out who their customers are. Some organisations have a lot of supported housing so their focus will be slightly different.

DM me if you have any specific questions as this is my line of work.