At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive the development of supported living units and build key partnerships across the Southeast.
- Company: Join a values-led health and social care group with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mileage allowance, 22 days leave, and flexible working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of supported living and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing development within CQC regulated environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £65,000 per annum + mileage (45p per mile)
Hours: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Hertfordshire (South England)
Setting: Supported Living – Learning Disabilities, Autism and Complex Needs
Overview: Compass Associates is working in partnership with a growing, values-led health and social care group to appoint a Housing Development Manager within their Supported Living division. The organisation operates across multiple specialist care divisions and has an ambitious, well-funded growth strategy. They are expanding their supported living footprint into the South of England and need someone who can drive that pipeline from the ground up.
The Candidate: The successful candidate will be energised by identifying and securing new housing opportunities, building relationships with registered providers, landlords, developers, and commissioners, and converting those relationships into high-quality supported living schemes. You will need to demonstrate a track record in housing development within supported living or a closely related field, with hands-on experience of lease negotiation, SLAs, Housing Benefit structures, and working with registered social landlords.
Key Responsibilities:
- Housing and Service Development
- Deliver an agreed pipeline of new supported living units across the Southeast region
- Identify, source, and secure housing opportunities through agents, developers, online platforms, and partner networks
- Develop bespoke housing solutions as part of capital-funded projects
- Ensure all new homes are developed to meet supported living specifications
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with registered providers, social landlords, housing developers, housing agents, and private landlords
- Work closely with commissioners, local authorities, and ICBs to align growth plans with local demand
- Liaise with the Business Development Manager to secure and progress new opportunities
- Keep the stakeholder and housing opportunity database accurate and up to date
- Commercial, Governance and Reporting
- Develop robust business cases for new opportunities
- Review and negotiate SLAs, leases, and related housing documentation
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Housing Benefit, rent structures, and financial viability
- Produce monthly progress reports covering pipeline activity, delivery progress, risks, and opportunities
- Project Delivery and Compliance
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and timelines
- Liaise with contractors, obtain quotes, and oversee works where required
- Arrange and oversee compliance checks including gas, electrical, and fire safety
- Ensure structured handover of new services to operational teams
- Internal Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Quality, People, Finance, and IT teams to ensure new schemes are delivered compliantly and sustainably
- Ensure internal stakeholders are informed and briefed ahead of mobilisation
- Maintain oversight of the existing housing portfolio, flagging lease expiry risks and reprovision needs early
Essential Requirements:
- Proven experience developing supported living services within health, social care, or supported housing (CQC)
- Strong working knowledge of commissioners, local authorities, and ICBs
- Lease negotiation experience is a priority; candidates must be able to review, negotiate, and progress lease agreements with confidence
- Experience with SLAs and working with registered providers and landlords
- Solid understanding of Housing Benefit, rent structures, and financial viability
- Experience developing business cases and managing pipelines through approval processes
- Confident stakeholder communicator at all levels, internal and external
- Highly organised with strong time management and reporting discipline
- Willingness to travel regularly across the South of England
- Values-driven approach with a genuine commitment to person-centred supported living
Salary and Benefits:
- £65,000 per annum
- Mileage allowance at 45p per mile
- 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Monthly team meeting in Stevenage; otherwise flexible and field-based
Application Process: To apply or find out more, please contact Andy at Compass Associates for a confidential discussion.
About Compass Associates: Established in 2009, Compass Associates is an award-winning, UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high-quality recruitment solutions across permanent assignments.
Housing Development Manager – Supported Living in Watford employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where values-driven professionals can thrive in the growing field of supported living. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, the company provides ample opportunities for career growth while ensuring a supportive culture that prioritises person-centred care. Located in Hertfordshire, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in health and social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Development Manager – Supported Living in Watford
✨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 Compass Associates.
✨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 Compass Associates!
✨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 Compass Associates, 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 Compass Associates 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 Housing Development Manager – Supported Living in Watford
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 Compass Associates:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Compass Associates! 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 Compass Associates
✨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.
