Housing Policy Officer
Job Description:Housing policy officers research and develop policies for local authorities and housing associations.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- research housing issues and identify good practice
- collect data relevant to housing, like health, employment and demographics
- represent housing services on corporate working groups
- produce reports, policy briefings and factsheets
- make recommendations as a result of government initiatives and new legislation
- give presentations to groups, both inside and outside your organisation
Skills:
You’ll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- knowledge of systems analysis and development
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- analytical thinking skills
- business management skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- excellent verbal communication skills (leadership skills)
- persistence and determination
Entry Requirements:
To become a Housing Policy Officer, there are no specific required, but having a strong educational foundation, including good grades in certain subjects, can be beneficial. Housing Policy Officers work in the public sector, non-profit organisations, or private companies to develop and implement housing policies, address housing-related issues, and advocate for housing solutions. Here are some subjects and considerations that can be useful:
- English Language: Strong communication skills, including reading, writing, and verbal communication, are essential for drafting policy documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills can be helpful for analysing data, statistics, and financial aspects of housing policies.
- Social Sciences: Subjects like Sociology, Geography, or Economics can provide insights into social issues, community dynamics, economics, and the factors affecting housing policy.
- Business Studies or Public Administration: Understanding administrative and management principles can be valuable for policy development and implementation.
- Politics or Government and Politics: Knowledge of political systems, government structures, and policymaking processes is relevant to the role of a Housing Policy Officer.
- Law (if available): Some schools offer law courses, which can provide a foundation for understanding legal aspects related to housing policies and regulations.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computers and software applications is valuable for data analysis, research, and report preparation.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- town planning
Apprenticeship
You could work your way up from a housing and property management advanced apprenticeship. With experience and successful completion of a qualification you could apply for trainee policy officer roles.
With high qualifications you could do a policy officer higher apprenticeship.
Work
You can start as an office assistant or housing officer with a housing organisation.
With further training and experience, you could work your way up to become a housing policy officer.
Other Routes
You can apply for a training scheme. This is open to graduates of any subject and non graduates who are already working in housing.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 37-39 hours of work. You could be required to work 9am to 5pm attending events or appointments.
You could work in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
You could specialise in a particular policy area, like equality issues, regeneration or research and data collection.
With experience you could move into supervisory or management roles.