How did you first hear about jobs in housing?

I knew people living in Housing Executive properties and was always aware of the provision of social housing. Also, because of my family's political background I knew that the Housing Executive had been established out of the need for open and impartial Housing.

How did you find further information about a career in housing?

At the time I joined there was little opportunity to gather lots of information about Housing, apart from reading the information pack and job description that was provided by Recruitment. Nowadays there are plenty of opportunities to gather information using the internet.

What was it that appealed to you when you were thinking about a job in housing?

Definitely job security and variety of job! I am easily bored and don't like doing the same thing day after day. When I read the job description I thought that the Housing Executive would offer me a career for life where I had the possibility of sampling many types of jobs.

How did you get your first job in housing?

I was working in the Imperial Civil service when my colleague saw jobs advertised for Clerical officers in the NIHE and said he was going to apply. The job sounded attractive and, although I was happy and secure in my current job, I decided to apply as well and was successful.

What personal skills and qualifications did you have that helped you secure your first job in housing?

I can chat! I was always comfortable in an interview situation and have good communication skills. I think the Housing Executive want people who can deal with the public easily. I had a good community background with a lot of involvement in youth clubs, church groups, and local fundraising. This gave me good interpersonal skills and the confidence to be open and approachable.

What skills & training have you gained since you have had your job in housing?

Safety is a big part of the job that I do so a lot of my training has been focusing on how to stay safe while out visiting tenants, many of whom are vulnerable.

I have also been trained in:

• Community Safety
• Dealing with Difficult Situations
• Health & Safety
• Voids

Describe a typical day?

My job is diary led so I always know certain things that must be done in a given day. For example, I need to attend community group meetings, inter agency meetings with police/council/youth justice, meetings with social services, and Housing Executive scheme meetings.

I have to cover sub offices and arranged housing visits where I assess housing applicants and transfers. I deal with anti social behaviour complaints including speaking to the complainant and the accused and making decisions on which other agencies need to be involved in the complaint. This could mean liaising with both the council and the police.

I also cover duty in the office which involves responding to telephone queries, signing up tenants to new properties, interviewing homeless people and finding temporary accommodation for those who need it.

I provide support to the Area Housing Benefit and Accounts teams and deal with queries regarding arrears & housing benefit. I also visit tenants to carry out arrears interviews when required.

In addition to the planned daily tasks, there is always the unplanned in a district office! Unexpected things can occur each day that I have to respond to at short notice. For example, I need to respond to extreme anti social behaviour cases, squatters, and homeless because of a fire/flood.

Every day in a district office is different, having said that when you've been working in this environment for a long time, you're not easily shocked!

What would you tell people who are interested in a housing career?

If you like variety then a job in a district office is the place for you! You are rarely bored and you will never be able to complain that there isn't enough to do.