At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the co-creation of services to enhance wellbeing and community life at Hartrigg Oaks.
- Company: Join a values-driven housing association committed to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and a CIH Level 4 qualification or willingness to pursue one.
The Independent Living Manager will play a key role in the co-creation of services at Hartrigg Oaks Retirement Village, working collaboratively with residents, staff teams, and external partners to design and shape services that enhance wellbeing, independence, and community life.
As our Independent Living Manager, you will bring a strong track record of delivering high-quality housing services, alongside a CIH Level 4 qualification or a willingness to work towards this. You will be an inclusive and collaborative leader, experienced in working across departments and locations to achieve KPIs and improve resident satisfaction. Confident in making informed decisions, you value the views of others and apply sound judgement in complex environments.
You will have experience in community engagement, partnership working, and managing contractor relationships, as well as overseeing complex budgets and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. A competent user of Microsoft Office and social media, you will combine strong operational knowledge with a proactive, solutions-focused approach to deliver positive outcomes for residents and JRHT.
JRHT strives to be a housing association that is sustainable and engaging, providing high quality and continuously improving services and decent affordable homes in well managed communities prioritising those in greatest need.
To apply, please complete the online application. Closing date for applications is 1st November 2026. Interviews will take place on 3rd November 2026. Please note that we will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis and reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received.
We are a values driven organisation and our values drive our behaviours. We’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and we hope others will do the same. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace, where all colleagues can be themselves.
At JRHT we believe in giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or social economic background. We positively encourage applications from people with experience of living in poverty.
As part of our commitment to equity and specifically anti-racism, we operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process. We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
Independent Living Manager employer: Joseph Rowntree
JRHT is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for a Business Support Officer in Property Services. With a commitment to employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance community living while enjoying a flexible working environment. Our values-driven approach ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Manager
✨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 Joseph Rowntree.
✨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 Joseph Rowntree!
✨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 Joseph Rowntree, 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 Joseph Rowntree 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 Manager
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 Joseph Rowntree:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Joseph Rowntree! 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 Joseph Rowntree
✨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.
