Find out more about the roles of our housing officers. This time, we hear from one of our housing officers who works across our six independent living schemes.
What is your job title?
Housing officer – schemes, but you might know us by our previous job title – Independent living support officer.
What are the main responsibilities of your role?
Myself and my colleague work together across the six independent living schemes in the borough to ensure that they well maintained and remain safe for our tenants. To do this, we carry out regular health and safety checks, maintain fire safety standards and report repairs so that they can be resolved as soon as possible.
Alongside building responsibilities, we also provide tenancy related support to residents in the schemes, helping them to manage their tenancy and continue to live safely and independently.
A key part of the role is promoting wellbeing and reducing social isolation by encouraging the use of communal spaces and supporting a positive, friendly environment.
What does a typical day look like for a Housing Officer – Schemes?
Throughout the day we visit tenants, supporting them with housing, health and financial issues - connecting them with appropriate services where needed. We also help identify and report any safeguarding concerns and often work with adult care and health teams.
While on site, we carry out routine checks, including weekly health and safety inspections and monthly testing of Careline pendants and smoke alarms.
Some days, we may also meet prospective tenants, show them around, and answer any questions about scheme living.
We also often attend social tenant events in communal areas like coffee mornings.
What support do you provide to council tenants?
We provide housing related support to help tenants maintain their tenancy - including support with benefit entitlement, managing debts and accessing support from specialist agencies.
We also support tenants to ensure any care needs are met by liaising with partner agencies and health professionals, sometimes acting as an advocate on their behalf.
We give advice on accessing community groups and activities to reduce social isolation and encourage tenants to develop their own scheme-based activities.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
No two days are ever the same and we deal with a wide variety of situations. It’s rewarding to see real, positive changes in tenants’ lives and to know that the support we provide contributes to their wellbeing.
What do you enjoy most about working with tenants?
We get to know tenants, as well as their families and carers. Although the role can be challenging, it’s rewarding to learn their stories and build relationships. We focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for tenants and provide the information and guidance they need to make informed decisions about their daily living.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Supporting tenants to make informed choices that improve their lives is incredibly rewarding. Also, helping to make the independent living schemes friendly, welcoming places to live.
Could an Independent Living Scheme be your next home?
Are you thinking about moving to a smaller, easier-to-manage home? One of our Independent Living Schemes could be the perfect choice for you.
With self-contained flats, friendly neighbours, and welcoming communal spaces where residents often run their own social activities, it’s a great way to stay independent while enjoying a supportive community around you.
Find out more about what our Independent Living Schemes have to offer.
