Independent Living Officers in Rochdale

Job Title: INDEPENDENT LIVING OFFICER

Location: Rochdale
Hours: Full Time (36.25 hours, Monday to Friday)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £30,826

Are you passionate about helping older and vulnerable people maintain their independence, wellbeing and quality of life?

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is looking for a compassionate and proactive Independent Living Officer to join our Independence and Wellbeing Service. In this rewarding role, you'll work closely with customers living in our Independent Living Schemes, helping them to maintain their independence, wellbeing and security while delivering a high-quality housing management service.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference every day by supporting some of our most vulnerable customers, promoting social inclusion and helping people live fulfilling and independent lives.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Independent Living Officer, you will play a key role in supporting customers and managing our Independent Living Schemes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Responding to alarm calls and coordinating appropriate support and interventions.
• Supporting customers through the use of assistive technology and maintaining accurate records.
• Carrying out compliance checks, including alarm testing, fire safety checks, damp and mould inspections and other health and safety requirements.
• Reporting building faults and liaising with contractors to ensure timely resolution.
• Managing the full lettings process, including viewings, sign-ups and welcoming new customers.
• Supporting income collection and assisting with the management of rent arrears.
• Undertaking intensive housing management assessments, reviews and tenancy management activities.
• Identifying and managing risks, including safeguarding concerns, and implementing appropriate actions.
• Promoting scheme security and the safety of customers.
• Developing and facilitating social and wellbeing activities that encourage independence, confidence and community involvement.
• Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Providing support and guidance to new members of the team when required.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a customer-focused individual with a passion for supporting vulnerable people and delivering excellent services.

You'll have:

• Experience working directly with customers, particularly vulnerable individuals, in a housing or care environment.
• Relevant housing management experience and/or a knowledge of social housing delivery, particularly into sheltered or independent living schemes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and trust.
• Experience of identifying customer needs and providing practical support and guidance.
• The ability to manage challenging situations professionally and sensitively.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding principles and risk management.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A commitment to promoting independence, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Effective problem-solving, mediation and negotiation skills.
• A First Aid/CPR qualification, or a willingness to undertake training.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

Why Join RBH?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated team committed to helping customers live independently and thrive within their communities. You'll work in a supportive environment where your compassion, skills and commitment can have a meaningful impact on people's lives every day.

What do we have to offer you?

In addition to a competitive salary of £30,826, you will benefit from:

• Mileage allowance to cover business miles
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave
• An additional 5 days leave after 5 years' service
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 8%; death in service benefit
• Flexible smart working arrangements
• Healthcare cashback plan, virtual GP access and subsidised gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
• Paid volunteering days
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• And so much more!

If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we review applications as they are received; therefore, we may close this vacancy earlier than advertised.

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

RBH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements of the role.

Artificial Intelligence

We recognise that AI can be a useful tool when preparing applications. However, all information, examples and achievements included in your application must be truthful, accurate and based on your own experience.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing Limited (RBH) is the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual housing society, with over 12,000 homes throughout the local area.

As we’ve refocused our strategy back to our core housing role, we’ve taken the opportunity to work with our customers and colleagues to review and modernise the values that motivate us and will underpin everything we do. Our mutuality is focused on bringing genuine voice and influence to our customers and our colleagues in how we deliver our services. Our values get to the root of who we really are and what we stand for.

Putting People First: We listen with empathy, respond with compassion, and make it easy for our customers to access our services.

Doing What We Say: We earn trust through honesty, integrity, caring and keeping our promises.

Working As One: We embrace our mutuality and work together to deliver great outcomes for the people living in our homes and communities.

Delivering Quality: We invest wisely in our people and make it easy for them to deliver services and create places that our customers are proud to call home.

Open & Transparent: We are curious, embrace diverse ways of thinking and seek feedback to help us improve.