At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality sheltered housing services for the over 60s.
- Company: Join a vibrant organisation dedicated to supporting older and vulnerable people.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on leisure facilities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older adults while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: A-Level or equivalent experience in housing or social care; strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 40000 £ per year.
Independent Living Team Leader (RP0191)
Starting salary £38,350pa with progression to £41,254pa through annual increments subject to satisfactory service (inclusive of outer fringe allowance). 37 hours per week (hybrid working).
Permanent contract.
Job Overview
We are looking for an Independent Living Team Leader who will be responsible for the direct delivery of the management of our sheltered schemes for the over 60s, to ensure a high quality sheltered housing service.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the operational delivery of the management of sheltered schemes and allocate staff to deliver a compliant and customer focused service which enables older and vulnerable people in the community to live fulfilling, healthy and independent lives.
- Lead a dedicated team of Independent Living Officers and Mobile Wardens providing support and guidance when needed, and undertake structured one‑to‑ones with each staff member.
- Organise focused team meetings to provide updates on the operational service including corporate information, ensuring effective communication.
- Oversee the team’s development including training needs and encouraging personal development to ensure they meet the organisational and team objectives.
- Ensure that every reasonable measure is taken to ensure health and safety and wellbeing of staff through risk assessments, and by providing practical and emotional support.
- Work with the Independent Living Services Manager to develop and update policies and procedures, ensuring that these are communicated to staff and applied consistently throughout the service.
- Ensure that services provided meet legislation and regulatory requirements and reflect best practice, consistently delivering outstanding customer care.
Qualifications & Experience
- Formal training to A-Level or another professional qualification, or equivalent experience and knowledge in housing or social care.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, data protection and health and safety.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to guide and support a team.
Benefits
You will be working in the heart of Welwyn Garden City in our vibrant office.
We offer flexible working to achieve a good work life balance, generous annual leave, discounts to council‑owned leisure facilities and much more.
We offer the Local Government Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefits scheme.
Other
We do not offer sponsorship for employment in the UK. Our CORE values - Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent - guide everything we do.
Application Details
Closing date for applications is 2 August 2026. Remote assessment will be held on 6 August 2026. Face to face interviews will be held on 18/19 August 2026.
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Independent Living Team Leader (RP0191) employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Team Leader (RP0191)
✨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 CIH International Housing Group.
✨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 CIH International Housing Group!
✨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 CIH International Housing Group, 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 CIH International Housing Group 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 Independent Living Team Leader (RP0191)
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 CIH International Housing Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CIH International Housing Group! 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 CIH International Housing Group
✨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.
