How did you first hear about jobs in housing?
Before I started working at Slemish Court for Clanmil Housing Association I knew nothing at all about housing. I never knew the extent of jobs that exist. To me housing was just about re-homing people but I now realise that it is very much more. Tenants receive support and advice and are encouraged to live independently for as long as possible.
How did you find further information about a career in housing?
It was only when I started working at Clanmil and got meeting and talking to other staff members that I realised all that is involved in social housing.
To be truthful when I applied for the job I thought it was as a home help! I didn't understand all the duties that it entailed and therefore didn't have a lot of information before attending my interview. If I was looking now I would search on the internet and get information off the Housing Association websites. There is also general information about social housing on the Department for Social Development website.
What was it that appealed to you when you were thinking about a job in housing?
I was looking for a different working environment and the position at Clanmil offered accommodation with it. At the time I had only just got married and the offer of a home in a good area was very attractive.
How did you get your first job in housing?
I saw the position of Scheme Co-ordinator advertised in the local press and applied, although I didn't fully appreciate what the job entailed at the time. That was eleven years ago and I'm still here now!
It has offered me much more than I ever expected I would get from a job.
What personal skills and qualifications did you have that helped you secure your first job in housing?
I was a Senior Care Assistant at a nursing home so I had experience working with elderly and frail people.
I also like working with people in need of care and enjoy providing one to one support. I'm a good listener and can offer advice to people who need it. These are all qualities that are very important in my current role as Scheme Co-ordinator.
What skills & training have you gained since you have had your job in housing?
Clanmil have an excellent training programme and I have received lots of training in various different topics such as:
I have also completed the Chartered Institute of Housing Level 2 in Housing and am now doing the Level 3 Certificate. Clanmil pay for the course fees, books and cover all expenses including time off work and travel allowance.
Hopefully after completing the Level 3 I will progress to the Diploma in Housing.
Describe a typical day?
Where will I start?
There are 35 flats in Slemish Court all occupied with people that need varying degrees of support to live independently. I also manage a non-sheltered scheme in Ballymena with ten units. The only staff help I have is a Domestic who works 15 hours a week.
I do my daily morning calls with my residents to check that they are all well. I also report any repairs and maintenance that are needed on the building and arrange for work to be done. I liaise with Doctors and Social Services about the health and wellbeing of my tenants.
I also organise activities such as breakfast club, coffee mornings, dinner days, entertainment evenings, craft class and trips out.
I have to complete and review Support Plans and undertake Risk Assessments. A support plan has to be kept on each tenant and details their profile and what assistance they need.
I am an Auditor for Clanmil so I often have to visit our Residential Home and carry out an audit on the ISO procedures. I also sit on the Health & Safety committee and Continuous Improvement Committee.
What would you tell people who are interested in a housing career?
The job is very rewarding and I have a lot more laughs than tears! There is a lot of self satisfaction in knowing that you have made someone happy that day and have made a difference to their lives. I end most of my days feeling happy and fulfilled knowing that I have done a good job. I never wake up in the morning and think that I don't want to go to work. Every day is different and can bring a new challenge!
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