Housing Officer- Estate Management

Housing Officer

We are recruiting for a Housing Officer to work as part of our wider Estate Management team to deliver essential inspections, walk-abouts, and other work within the framework of council policy and appropriate legislation. Alongside this, they will provide council tenants with information, advice, and guidance in order to support and enable them to sustain their tenancies and contribute to the maintenance of a safe neighbourhood. Support and enable tenants to exercise their rights and fulfil their responsibilities as a tenant of the council particularly in regards to care and use of open spaces, communal areas, and shared amenities.

Responsibilities

• Provide and deliver a programme of work to ensure that housing open spaces, communal areas, and amenities are safe, clean, and available for the enjoyment of all council tenants and leaseholders.
• With the support of the team leader, manage an estates case load, assessing risks, and using discretion and guidance to develop interventions in partnership with tenants.
• Prioritise and target resources in order to achieve the best results.
• Work creatively and collaboratively with other council colleagues, community networks, and tenants to secure additional resources to develop, enable, and deliver estate improvements including those carried out by tenants/residents.
• In particular, carry out visits as required to support and help sustain clean and safe open spaces, communal areas, amenities, and services.
• Undertake the following:
  • Estate audit with tenant reps
  • Contract checks with internal colleagues and contractors
  • Health and safety checks
  • Communal area visits and health checks
  • Other visits supporting the good management and maintenance of properties and estates
  • Identify and take responsibility for reporting health and safety, safeguarding, or other issues of concern and to be generally vigilant when out and about on our estates

Skills Required

• Working in a housing-focused service or a similar/associated role.
• Working in a similar field resulting in the development of expertise.
• The concept of social housing and the role of the council as the landlord.
• Knowledge and understanding of rights and responsibilities of introductory and secure tenants.
• Awareness of the principles of contract and project management.
• Understanding of an outcome and solutions approach to work.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to proactively manage and deliver excellent customer service.
• Operate a PC, use of standard Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to develop competence in the use of new software necessary for the management of the council’s housing stock and tenancies.
• Work positively with and motivate resident groups.
• Prioritise work in accordance with service needs.
• Ability to convey empathy with residents/groups avoiding imposing own values and attitudes.
• Operate within policies and procedures but with the capacity to apply professional judgement.
• Approach work in an organised methodical way with excellent attention to detail.
• Complete tasks and respond to residents’ enquiries.
• Work in a self-motivated environment but also contribute effectively to the needs of the team.
• Be committed to neighbourhood issues and resident’s needs.
• Communicate effectively with people on a variety of levels.
• Speak to groups, to make representations, and lead where necessary.
• Put complex issues into clear simple language, with good use of language and grammar.
• Contribute to the work of the Neighbourhood Services Team.
• Contribute to required standards and ensure effective team behaviour (working in accordance with council values and the council’s Code of Conduct).
• Work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.