Assistant Scheme Manager - Older People's Housing in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Our client Sherborne Close Housing Society provides supportive, community-focused accommodation for older people, helping residents to live independently in a safe, welcoming and well-maintained environment. They are looking for a compassionate, organised and practical Assistant Scheme Manager to support the day-to-day operation of the housing scheme. This varied office-based role combines administration, resident liaison, safeguarding awareness, contractor coordination, compliance support and community engagement. You will also deputise for the Scheme Manager when required and contribute to the continued development of services and the resident experience. If you enjoy building positive relationships, solving practical problems and making a meaningful difference to people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: This role does not involve providing personal care. The focus is on housing management, resident wellbeing, community support and the smooth operation of the housing scheme.

What you'll do:

• Provide day-to-day administrative support and maintain accurate, confidential resident and operational records
• Support residents with housing, practical and wellbeing-related concerns while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Build positive relationships with residents and help foster a welcoming and inclusive community environment
• Recognise, respond to and appropriately elevate safeguarding and welfare concerns in line with organisational procedures
• Coordinate routine safety checks, fire safety requirements, alarm testing, servicing visits, contractors and associated follow-up actions
• Support emergency planning and respond appropriately to incidents in accordance with established procedures
• Liaise professionally with residents, families, contractors, external agencies and the Society's committees
• Support the management of communal facilities, resident activities, communications and community events
• Assist with complaints handling, rent review administration, policy implementation and other operational processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery and the resident experience
• Provide cover for the Scheme Manager during periods of absence, exercising sound judgement and managing competing priorities effectively.

What we're looking for:

• Strong organisational, administrative and time-management skills
• A proactive approach and the ability to balance planned work with changing priorities
• A calm, approachable and compassionate manner when dealing with sensitive situations
• Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to work independently whilst contributing positively to a small team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, contractors and external agencies
• A commitment to maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and data protection standards
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems and databases quickly
• Willingness to undertake safeguarding, dementia awareness, first aid and other relevant training
• Experience working with older people, or an understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with later life
• Experience in housing, supported living, welfare services, community services, property management, customer service, office administration or operational management would be advantageous. However, relevant transferable skills and experience will be considered.

What we offer:

• A rewarding role with a direct impact on residents' quality of life and wellbeing
• A supportive, community-focused working environment
• Opportunities for training, development and continuous learning

About Sherborne Close Housing Society

Sherborne Close Housing Society is dedicated to providing high-quality housing and support for older people within a welcoming and close-knit community. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to residents' lives whilst supporting the effective day-to-day operation and ongoing development of the Society.

Additional Information

Sherborne Close Housing Society is committed to creating an inclusive environment for residents, employees and volunteers. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Closing date for applications: 21st September 2026.