How did you first hear about jobs in housing?

When I returned from travelling in America I was looking for a permanent job at home in Northern Ireland. I wanted to work in the public sector as I thought it would offer me security.

I looked at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) website and saw that they were recruiting for temporary clerical officers. I saw this as an opportunity to get work experience in the sector.

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

I had a relative who already worked for the NIHE and they were able to provide me with a good insight into the organisation. I also looked on the website and read as much as possible before attending my interview.

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

I knew that it wasn't a job that would be negatively affected by an economic downturn. I've seen many friends over the years that work in the trades and have been in and out of work depending on demand.

How did you get your first job in housing?

I applied for a job as a temporary clerical officer after seeing it advertised on the NIHE website.

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

I always got on well with people and found it easy to communicate. Having spent six months travelling and living away from home I learned how to involve myself with people and set up good relationships.

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

Once I was made permanent with the NIHE, I was encouraged by my boss to study through the Post Entry Training Facility (PETF). Under this scheme I completed the HNC in Business and Finance. This took two years and I was granted weekly day release to the Belfast Metropolitan College.

I have also completed a wide range of courses to include:

• Equality Disability Human Rights and Race Relation
• Information Security Awareness
• Prince 2 - Senior Level Awareness (Project methodology)
• Writing reports using Crystal Reports
• Health & Safety
• Microsoft Access & Microsoft Excel Advanced

Describe a typical day?

I am now working in the Supporting People Payments and Contracts team. The work I do is varied and very interesting. I get the opportunity to work with the support providers most days and have to deal with their requests for new/existing service users.

I also process the housing benefit interface report which ensures that clients that are entitled to receive support payments do so.

Most of my work is computer based and I have recently been involved in the piloting of a new supporting people computer system, implemented as part of modernising services. This makes liaising with support providers easier and more effective.

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

I would tell them that the conditions of employment are very attractive. The NIHE offer good work life balance and there is the opportunity to work flexible hours, as well as an option to take a career break, (just in case you get the travelling urge again, as I did!).

There is plenty of opportunity to further your education through the PETF.

I would also tell them that this is a rewarding job as you feel you are making a difference to peoples' lives.