Housing Officer in Watford
Chime Housing Watford About the role
As part of our Housing team, you will use your customer service and problem-solving skills to help us deliver high-quality housing services.
You will have previous experience of working as a Housing Officer and be confident in a customer-facing position. You will need to be able to demonstrate both excellent customer service and problem-solving skills and be highly numerate to conduct rent analysis. You will also have a proven track record in building strong relationships.
The right candidate will need the ability to develop strong relationships with our tenants, be able to confidently communicate and be able to conduct rent analysis accordingly. An important aspect of the Housing Officer role is to manage rent arrears, and this is one of our corporate objectives, so we are therefore looking for someone with strong skills in this area.
Role purpose: To provide tenancy and neighbourhood management services for a specified area, ensuring that services are customer focused.
Key Accountabilities:
- Manage tenancies effectively, assessing household needs and signposting residents to appropriate support.
- Review tenant circumstances regularly and advise on suitable future housing options.
- Oversee mixed-tenure patches, ensuring compliance with policies for leaseholders, shared owners and managing agents.
- Represent the organisation at court and external meetings, acting as a key liaison with community stakeholders and resident groups.
- Prepare and present court documentation to support legal action when required.
- Work collaboratively across teams to deliver a seamless, customer-focused housing service.
- Reduce rent and service-charge arrears through proactive income management.
- Manage antisocial behaviour cases and tenancy/lease breaches, working with internal and external partners.
- Monitor estate services, carry out regular estate and fire safety inspections, and ensure repairs or issues are resolved promptly.
- Support void management to ensure properties are re-let quickly and safely.
- Lead on safeguarding signposting, tenancy reviews, fraud prevention audits, and manage mutual exchanges, assignments and successions.
- Participate in duty rota and emergency response, support councillor enquiries, and monitor CCTV to address ASB, fly-tipping and related issues.
What are we looking for?
Essential:
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Good time management and organisational skills
- IT skills with the ability to use Housing Management software
- Ability to input data into systems accurately
- Proven debt management experience
- Experience of dealing with people in difficult, often stressful, situations
- Experience of tenancy and neighbourhood management
- Knowledge of relevant Housing legislation
- Due to the nature of the role, you will need to have a full driving licence and access to a car with business insurance.
Desirable:
- Good level of general education or relevant experience
- CIH recognised qualification
- Upholds the CIH professionalism standards and demonstrates a commitment to champion the role housing professionals play in making a difference to the residents and communities they work with
Who you’ll work with:
Responsible to: Area Housing Manager
Department: Housing
What can we offer you?
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
- Employer pension contribution of up to 11%
- Development opportunities
- Comprehensive employee rewards scheme
How we work: We embrace agile working – blending time in our communities, shared spaces, and remote working. With digital technology at the heart of our approach, we empower teams and individuals to work flexibly.
How to apply: If this sounds like your next role, click ‘apply now’, tell us why you’ve got what it takes, and attach a copy of your current CV.
Closing date: 29th July 2026 Interviews: To be confirmed (Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a large response.)
Your tasks
Help deliver high-quality housing services and manage tenancies effectively.
Your profile
Experience in housing management and strong customer service skills required.
What's also included
28 days annual leave, pension contributions, and development opportunities.
Tech stack & ways of working
Housing Officer in Watford employer: Chime Housing
Chime Housing is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a supportive work culture in Watford. With generous benefits such as 28 days' annual leave and a pension contribution of up to 11%, we are committed to employee growth and development, ensuring our team members feel valued and empowered in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a rewarding career in a dynamic environment.
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Chime Housing, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Chime Housing and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience
In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector
When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies
Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Chime Housing and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chime Housing
Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Chime Housing, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Chime Housing.
Locations
- Watford
