Shop assistant jobs in chelmsford, essex

Job Title: Homeownership Assistant

Salary: up to £15,070; depending on experience (up to £25,116 FTE)

Hours:  Part Time (21 hours to be worked over 3 days between 9-5)

Location: Remote working with attendance at the Little Canfield or Hampton Wick office as required

Benefits: 20 days annual leave, including bank holidays (33 days FTE), plus 1.5 days complimentary leave. Option to purchase additional annual leave, car leasing scheme, healthcare cash plan, enhanced pension, and more.

About us

Hastoe owns and manages more than 7,500 homes across the south of England from Devon to Norfolk. We are a social housing landlord and England’s leading rural housing specialist. We deliver small housing developments in partnership with local communities although, for historic reasons, we also own some housing in urban areas.

We are passionate about providing a first-class service for our customers. If you are enthusiastic, customer-focused, and passionate about making a difference to people’s lives, then we want to hear from you.

About the role

The Homeownership Assistant will provide essential administrative and operational support to the Homeownership team, helping to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to leaseholders, shared owners, and freeholders.

The postholder will be responsible for managing key processes and correspondence related to leasehold, shared ownership and freehold management, as well as income collection, and customer engagement. This role is pivotal in helping Hastoe meet its commitments to residents and maintain positive relationships.

Duties will include:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for homeownership services, including managing documentation, coordinating with stakeholders, maintaining accurate records, handling customer queries, and assisting in policy development.
• Handle service charge-related queries and collaborate with finance teams to prepare accurate service charge estimates and actuals.
• Manage the recovery of rent, service charges, and arrears from leaseholders and shared owners, including setting up payment plans, handling legal action when necessary, and providing regular debt reporting.
• Support legal and complex homeownership matters by processing legal notices, assisting with consultations and disputes, maintaining accurate records, and staying informed on relevant housing legislation.
• Deliver high-quality customer service by effectively handling queries, attending resident meetings, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure a smooth and responsive experience for homeowners.
• Support with Section 20 consultations for major works, ensuring adherence to legal frameworks.

For more information on the role, please see the details on our Hastoe Careers page.

About you

You will need to have proven experience in housing management administration, particularly in working with leaseholders and shared ownership leases. The role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong commitment to delivering high standards, and the ability to stay well organised, meet tight deadlines, and effectively juggle multiple tasks at once.

You will also need:

• A minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• To be flexible and adaptable to change, with a willingness to learn and develop in the role.
• Where this isn’t already held, to be willing to study for a professional qualification in housing, property management, or a related field (e.g., CIH membership).

A personal note from Meghan Rank, your hiring manager

"This is an interesting multifaceted role within the Homeownership Team. As the Homeownership Assistant, you be a part of Hastoe’s crucial daily operations, working closely with teams across the entire organisation to deliver our homeownership functions. There is a great opportunity to make the role your own by creating new ways of working.”

Benefits provided

Annual Leave:  Starting at 33 days, including bank holidays (pro rata for part time) and 1.5 days complimentary leave, along with the option to purchase additional leave.

Enhanced Pension: Hastoe's employer contributions start at 5% and are based on matching of your own contribution level, plus 2%, up to a maximum of 8% employer contribution.

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working opportunities.
• Annual leave increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 36 days, including bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees).
• Discounts for local shops, restaurants and gym membership.
• Cycle to Work and Car Leasing Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential phone and online support and resources service with 24/7 access.
• Health Cash Plan (a type of health insurance).
• 3 x Life Assurance from day 1, for all pension holders.
• A supportive working environment with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Long Service awards.

This post is subject to background checks. For more information on this, please see the advert on our Careers Page.