Housing Officer
Job Description:Housing officers manage the day-to-day running of services like sheltered housing, youth hostels and student flats.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could work for a local authority, a housing association or a charity. You could also work for a university or property company.
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- assessing the needs of people applying for housing
- giving people vacant accommodation
- carrying out regular inspections
- dealing with anti-social behaviour and broken tenancy agreements
- referring people to advice on benefits and welfare
- setting rents and dealing with payments and arrears
- gathering statistical information and preparing reports
- attending meetings
- arranging for things like broken lifts and boilers to be repaired
- working with other agencies like social services
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- administration & organisational skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Housing Officer, there are no specific required, but a strong educational foundation, including good grades in certain subjects, can be beneficial. Housing Officers typically work in the housing and property management sector, helping tenants, managing housing developments, and addressing various housing-related issues. Here are some subjects and considerations that can be useful:
- English Language: Good communication skills, including reading, writing, and verbal communication, are essential for interacting with tenants, preparing reports, and handling paperwork.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for tasks like managing budgets, rent calculations, and financial planning.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computers and software applications is valuable for data management, reporting, and record-keeping.
- Citizenship Studies or Sociology: These subjects can provide insights into social issues, community dynamics, and the legal and ethical aspects of housing management.
- Business Studies or Economics: Understanding business principles can be beneficial when managing housing budgets and financial matters.
- Geography or Environmental Science: Knowledge of local geography and environmental issues can be useful when considering housing locations and sustainability initiatives.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- building surveying
College
You can do a college course like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, in the UK.
Apprenticeship
You can take a housing property assistant intermediate apprenticeship and then a housing and property management advanced apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up. You could do this through on-the-job training leading to a qualifications. In the UK this takes the form of the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some experience with a housing charity or local tenants’ association.
Direct Application
You may be able to apply to a local authority or housing association for a place on a graduate training scheme, if you have a degree.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work around 37 hours, Monday to Friday.
You may need to work evenings, for example to attend tenants’ meetings.
You’ll work in an office. You’ll also visit people in their homes, inspect properties and attend meetings.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could specialise in an area of housing like homelessness or anti-social behaviour.
You could also move into management and become a senior housing officer, regional manager, head of service or director.