How did you first hear about jobs in housing?

I have an older brother who had worked in the Housing Executive for a number of years and really enjoyed his job. I also played football and socialised with a number of his colleagues who told me that a career in housing offered a lot of variety and opportunities.

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

I spoke to my brother and friends who already worked in housing. Also, my father works in further education and he helped me obtain relevant material to read and made me aware of relevant training that would be available.

I also looked on the internet and got information from the Housing Executive Website and the Personnel team.

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

That it would be good to work in a job where I could help all kinds of different people. I was particularly interested in working with homeless people and I knew that this was one of the Housing Executive's statutory duties.

How did you get your first job in housing?

When I joined in 2003 the NIHE were offering open recruitment for Temporary Clerical Officers so I applied. These jobs then became permanent after two years.

The jobs were advertised on the NIHE internet and my brother told me about them.

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

Having completed two years teacher training I had gained good organisation and interpersonal skills. I was also used to communicating with people at many different levels.

I was always very good dealing with customer complaints and irate customers. I seemed to have a natural skill for diffusing difficult situations and dealing with complex situations.

I was also IT literate and had experience working in a customer service unit.

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

At present the Housing Executive are funding my studies with the Chartered Institute of Housing, where I'm completing the level 3 certificate in housing.

I have also attended more than 30 training courses ranging from First Aid training to Race Relations and Intercultural awareness.

In my current role as Anti social behaviour Officer, I have also gained valuable skills at dealing with difficult situations and diffusing conflict.

Describe a typical day?

Every day is different and many are very challenging! I regularly work with very vulnerable people who have many different complex needs.

I have to mediate in neighbourhood disputes, ensure that tenancy agreements are being adhered to, assist tenants in maintaining their tenancy where possible and where necessary liaise with legal services and other statutory agencies to enforce relevant action.

I attend public meetings and meetings with resident groups to tackle issues of anti social behaviour and community safety.

My job involves working with a wide variety of agencies including P.S.N.I., City Council, Probation, Homeless support groups, Social Services, Youth Justice and Elected and Non-Elected community representatives.

The HE has the authority to issue ASB orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts. My work involves drafting, monitoring, and enforcing these orders in conjunction with the PSNI.

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

It's a brilliant opportunity to get experience with an enormous range of different people, ranging from vulnerable rough sleepers to politicians and councillors.

The job can be challenging but also very rewarding. Every day offers the opportunity to gain new skills, meet new people and offer assistance in many ways to enhance individuals and communities.