Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer) in Preston

Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer) in Preston

Preston Full-Time 30912 - 30912 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support residents in independent living, fostering community and resolving challenges with empathy.
  • Company: Join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to providing safe, affordable homes for all.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, health perks, and a supportive work environment focused on your growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by creating supportive environments where they can thrive.
  • Qualifications: Experience in housing management and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30912 - 30912 £ per year.

A place to create moments that matter.

Location: 100% onsite, Burnley, you'll work across 2 schemes: Woodtop and Milnshaw Gardens.

Salary: £30,912 per annum. Permanent, 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday 9am-5pm.

Thousands of families across the country rely on us for a safe, affordable home. And as the housing crisis deepens, the work we do has never been more important. It's this belief - that everyone deserves a place to call home - that drives everything we do. Together, we find new ways to understand and champion our customers, support them and drive positive change. For a career that means more and makes a meaningful impact on society, this is the place to be.

The role:

At a time when safe, affordable housing is more vital than ever, your work can truly change lives. Join a team that believes everyone deserves a place to call home - and is committed to making that a reality. As a Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer), you'll be at the heart of our Independent Living schemes, helping residents maintain their independence and feel part of a thriving community. From welcoming new tenants and supporting them through life's changes, to resolving challenges with empathy and professionalism, you'll be a trusted presence and a force for good.

What You'll Do:

  • Be a visible, supportive presence in our schemes, building strong relationships with residents.
  • Work closely with lettings teams to ensure smooth move-ins and positive first impressions.
  • Encourage community engagement and help residents live independently for as long as possible.
  • Tackle issues like rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, and tenancy management with confidence and care.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver joined-up support.
  • Escalate and take cases to court as a last resort, ensuring all other options have been explored first.

Why This Role Matters:

You won't just be managing housing - you'll be creating safe, supportive environments where people can thrive. Every day, you'll make a meaningful impact in someone's life.

About you:

  • Experience delivering housing management services within a specialist or generic housing context.
  • CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing or equivalent (or willingness to work towards) or qualified through experience.
  • Strong understanding of anti-social behaviour management and rental income collection processes.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet performance targets independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with customers, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding practices within a housing context.
  • Regular business travel will be necessary to other Accent sites and off-site meetings as required.

Successful candidates will undergo a DBS check and social media checks as part of our onboarding process.

Interviews:

We want your candidate experience to reflect who we are - a place to grow, a place to thrive, a place to be you.

Stage 1: A Place to Connect

A Teams interview with the hiring manager. You'll learn more about the role and team, and we'll get to know you - your experience, goals, and what you bring. Planned date: 30th June via Teams.

Stage 2: A Place to Show Your Strengths

An in-person interview with behavioural and scenario-based questions focused on how you apply your knowledge to real-life situations. You'll be asked to complete a Congruity Questionnaire in advance. You'll also have the opportunity to walk around the scheme and meet some of our customers on the day. Planned date: 7th July at our Burnley office.

We aim to make the process clear, supportive, and genuinely valuable - a place where you feel informed and confident at every step.

A place to build a future:

We have big ambitions. That means we need people who are driven to succeed and eager to grow. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn new skills, thrive in our collaborative environment, and take your career in different directions. We also support your health and wellbeing with 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) - an extra day to celebrate your birthday and the option to purchase more - access to an online GP, gym discounts, and a dedicated day to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. And because we believe in supporting you now and in the future, this is a place to plan for your future - with access to both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit pension schemes through salary sacrifice, helping you save more efficiently. We also provide life assurance at three times your salary for all colleagues, giving you added peace of mind.

If you require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, please let us know - we will ensure requirements are met.

Please don't delay in submitting your application. Where roles are urgent or we receive a high volume of applications, we may interview and conclude the process prior to any closing date indicated.

Please note candidates must have current eligibility to live and work in the UK; Accent do not currently hold a sponsorship licence.

If you're looking for a place you can make a positive difference to society, to our organisation and to your future, apply now.

Recruitment Agencies: We work exclusively with partners on our preferred supplier list (PSL) and do not accept unsolicited CVs or speculative approaches from agencies for this role.

Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer) in Preston employer: Accent Housing

At Accent, we are dedicated to creating safe and supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Located in Burnley, our work culture is built on collaboration and community engagement, offering employees the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits such as 28 days of holiday, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us as a Specialist Housing Partner and be part of a team that champions independence and positive change for our residents.

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Contact Details:

Accent Housing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer) in Preston

Dive into Local Community Groups

Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Accent Housing.

Attend Social Work Events and Workshops

Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Accent Housing!

Showcase Your Passion and Expertise

Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Accent Housing, will notice your enthusiasm!

Leverage Your Network

Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Accent Housing or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.

We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Housing Partner (Independent Living Housing Officer) in Preston

Housing Management
Anti-Social Behaviour Management
Rental Income Collection
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Community Engagement
Tenancy Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.

Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!

Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!

Tailor Your Application to Accent Housing:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Accent Housing! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Housing

Understanding the Role of Empathy

In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.

Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks

Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.

Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills

In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.