How did you first hear about jobs in housing?
After I left school I commenced my degree in Social Administration (Bsc Hons). At the end of the first year I had to choose between social work and housing. Having covered a number of modules in housing I felt that this was an area that would be of interest and that would offer me a varied and flexible career.
How did you find further information about a career in housing?
I studied at the University of Ulster and there was lots of information available through the course tutor about the opportunities available in housing and the type of jobs you could work in. During the third year of the degree course I was placed in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for six months and Glasgow City Housing for four months. This provided me with a real insight into the day to day operation of a District office and working face to face with tenants.
What was it that appealed to you when you were thinking about a job in housing?
Having completed my degree in Social Administration & Housing Studies (Bsc Hons) it was a natural move for me to work in the housing field. I enjoyed working in direct contact with tenants and community groups whilst on my placement year and felt this was the right place for me to develop my career. I also enjoyed the challenge of working in close contact with council officials and councillors.
I also knew that a housing job would offer me variety of work and good prospects, more-so though on the mainland.
How did you get your first job in housing?
After finishing my degree I decided to move to Scotland. I saw a job for a Housing Officer with Scottish Homes advertised in the local newspaper. I applied and was successful.
What personal skills and qualifications did you have that helped you secure your first job in housing?
I attained my housing degree and membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing that came as part of the degree. I also had my experience working in both the Housing Executive and Glasgow City Housing during my placement year. This had given me the opportunity to work in a district office where I had gained an understanding of the skills required.
I also had good communication skills, both oral and written. You need to be organised and administratively efficient and I believe I had that then, (and still do of course!). I had the ability to show initiative and think on my feet. I also believe I had good empathy with the client group I worked with and good people skills.
What skills & training have you gained since you have had your job in housing?
Oaklee Homes offer good opportunities to develop your career and learn new skills. Last year I completed the Leadership in Housing course with the Chartered Institute of Housing. This was a very worthwhile course and taught me about how to lead a team and take responsibility at a higher level. It also covered general issues such as governance, leading with influence and developing and communicating a vision.
I have also gained training in the following:
Describe a typical day?
A day wouldn't be typical in the role of a Housing Officer as every day is different. You can plan your day but very often different scenarios arise that you have to attend to immediately.
The first thing I do every morning is check my emails and any call actions from our service centre that have not been attended to. This often results in unplanned work and needs my immediate attention to resolve issues.
Most days I have to respond to and address anti social behaviour, either dealing with a new complaint or reviewing an existing one. This involves liaison with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) or environmental health and social services and could cover issues such as noise nuisance, dog fouling, drug and alcohol abuse or disputes between neighbours.
I also process and assess applications to transfer. This involves me visiting and interviewing tenants in their own home.
Tenants meetings and the promotion of tenant participation in all our schemes both sheltered and general needs is often necessary.
I also manage a team of 12 scheme co-ordinators who in turn manage the sheltered schemes and domestic staff. I have to deal with all the areas that can be associated with staff issues, e.g.: sickness, disciplinary, staff cover etc. This aspect of the post can be very challenging.
I am involved the recruitment and selection process and interviewing potential staff. I then induct new staff to their role and into the team.
9am - 5pm are never typical working hours as an Area Housing Officer!
What would you tell people who are interested in a housing career?
I am happy in my current job. If they are interested in housing and follow the area they are interested in, elements of housing can be very interesting and different, (e.g.: development and tenant training). The politics, involving Political representatives, and the technical side of housing can be interesting too.
But the cold face of housing management can be quite challenging and reactive rather than proactive style work. I believe one should be aware of this and be sure they have the skills and qualities to deal with this fast and, at times, pressured role.
All in all it's a flexible career with opportunities but I believe one has to be prepared to move to the City for these opportunities and to progress further in the housing field.
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