JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Housing Support Officer
Salary: £12.28 per hour
Working Hours: 18.75 hours per week. Due to the nature of the post evenings and Bank Holidays work may be necessary.
Responsible to: Housing Services Manager
Location: YMCA Black Country Housing projects as agreed
Background:
YMCA Black Country Group (YMCA BCG) is the branch of the YMCA global movement in the Black Country. YMCA BCG operates charitable companies & associated trading subsidiaries in the Black Country boroughs and South Staffordshire area. The combined turnover of the group is in excess of £6M, delivering a wide range of community services including supported housing, youth work, childcare and family support, drug and alcohol counselling, skills and employment training, health and well-being services. YMCA BCG employs over 200 staff and also works with around 50 volunteers and voluntary trustees.
Job role:
To support the Housing Services Manager to ensure the provision of high-quality day-to-day housing management and tenancy sustainment functions of the YMCA's housing stock in Black Country. This includes, but not exclusively, the letting, management, maintenance, administration, rent collection and provision of housing services on all allocated Black Country housing properties. In addition, monitoring and reviewing the progress of residents within the schemes using various tenancy sustainment assessment tool, enabling them to Belong, Contribute and Thrive.
Duties:
Access to Housing & Tenancy Sustainment
1. To be involved in interviewing applicants and carrying out the appropriate needs and risk assessments and reference checks before offering accommodation.
2. To carry out an appropriate induction to the allocated Black Country housing property once an offer has been made to an applicant.
3. To coordinate or signpost any additional support a resident may require during their time at the YMCA by liaising with internal and external agencies in relation to maintaining their accommodation.
4. To promote the services provided by YMCA Black Country Housing Services ensuring referral agencies and applicants have the appropriate information about the schemes.
5. To keep voids to a minimum on allocated properties by ensuring they are cleaned, prepared and ready to let in the quickest time possible.
6. To complete and record property checks at least monthly (more frequent if required) to ensure residents are adhering to the licence agreement and the property is being kept in a good condition, reporting any property defects in a timely manner.
Financial Accountability
7. To be responsible for managing the rent arrears of allocated properties maximising all income, reducing arrears, and ensuring all records are accurate and up to date. Monitoring any rent agreements that may be agreed by the Housing Services Manager.
8. To ensure the Housing Services Manager is aware of any rent accounts that are risky and take proactive action to address in line with the rent arrears policy.
9. Ensure residents claim all entitled benefits including Housing Benefit and other applicable benefits / grants to ensure recovery of rent and service charges.
10. Liaise with Housing Benefit staff to ensure the residents account is active and the resident is aware of their responsibility of providing any information to ensure the housing benefit is paid and reduce all arrears.
Housing Management Services
11. Liaise with Housing Benefit Office, Employment Services, Social Services, Probation Services and other authorities as necessary in relation to housing management.
12. Ensure that residents are compliant with and kept fully informed and consulted on matters affecting their Licence Agreement/Tenancy and they understand their rights and responsibilities.
13. Liaise with Housing Service Manager concerning breaches of the Licence Agreement/Tenancy at an early stage and help seek positive resolutions.
14. Make regular visits to the residents in their property to ensure safety and security of the accommodation and deliver and monitor management and support services.
15. Deliver housing services including arranging the servicing of appliances and advice on safe use of equipment and appliances where applicable.
16. Maintain information relevant to the client group including information on issues and organisations relevant to the welfare of vulnerable people.
17. Ensure incidents / issues arising are fully reported and investigated and take action to resolve problem or take holding action until a permanent solution is found.
Tenancy Sustainment Support
18. Deliver person centred support to residents living in our supported housing units enabling them to sustain their tenancy whilst working in a Trauma Informed way and deliver services that are culturally sensitive, safe services that people trust and want to use.
19. Ensure that resident's needs are monitored appropriately, and that personal progression is recorded utilising the outcomes star, wellbeing assessment and other tools as required.
20. Proactively engage residents in a range of 1-1 and group interventions enabling them to address their needs and sustain their tenancy.
21. Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are recorded, and action taken where required.
22. To support residents to move on from our supported accommodation when we feel they have the skills to live independently. Enable them to bid on properties as required or consider other suitable housing options for resettlement.
Maintenance Tasks
23. Undertake regular visits to the housing properties including communal areas to inspect the accommodation and get resident feedback to ensure that repairs and cleaning of the buildings are carried out promptly to a high standard and that safety and security is maintained.
24. Support residents to raise repairs and maintenance issues or do so on their behalf.
25. Carry out an end of licence visit with the resident to ensure the property is left in a good condition.
26. Complete a void report when the property becomes vacant and submit to the Housing Services Manager / or their representative to minimise void periods.
27. Work to ensure the general security of the buildings including the testing of the alarm systems, CCTV, door entry and communications systems where applicable.
General
28. Prepare statistical and other reports as required by stakeholders or as requested by the Housing Services Manager ensuring all administrative functions (including updating rent accounts, the Client Record Management system, Outcome Star, Wellbeing Assessments etc) are carried out efficiency as necessary for the post.
29. Contribute to the review of paperwork, policies and procedures and systems used with the housing services to improve services and ensuring best practice.
30. Promote the aims and purposes of the YMCA.
31. Participate in Housing Staff meetings and other housing related meetings with residents and stakeholders as required.
32. To represent the association at agreed external meetings and report back to the Housing Services Manager.
33. Carry out work responsibilities in line with the Association's policies and procedures including safeguarding, equality and diversity, staff development and ensuring the health and safety of self and others at all times.
34. To carry out any other reasonable duty as requested by the Housing Services Manager or Head of Housing.
Person Specification
Job role: Housing Support Officer
Experience / Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Current in-depth knowledge of housing issues and legislation, particularly pertaining to homelessness
√
Knowledge of the benefits and welfare system
√
Knowledge of external bodies associated with and or affiliated to supported housing
√
Experience of working in a supported housing environment with young people or vulnerable adults
√
Experience of completing reports, support plans, action plans, and tracking progression
√
Experience of delivering Trauma Informed Care
√
Excellent level of education (literacy, IT and numeracy)
√
Training relevant to supported housing and the client group
√
NVQ level 3 or equivalent in Housing or Support related field
√
Skills / Abilities
Essential
Desirable
Ability to demonstrate an empathetic and person-centred approach
√
Ability to demonstrate and understand the importance of effective team working
√
Ability to work with minimal or no supervision and to use initiative
√
Ability to multitask and prioritise using effective organisation and planning skills
√
Ability to solve problems
√
Ability to understand and represent service users' rights and best interests whilst liaising with other professionals on the service user's behalf
√
Ability to assess changes in service users' needs, health, mood etc and alert others to any potential risks or safeguarding issues
√
Ability to build appropriate relationships with young people and vulnerable adults, listen actively and respond appropriately to service users' needs
√
Ability to work with discretion, integrity and confidentially in a nonjudgmental way
√
Personal Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Can understand the needs of people from diverse cultural, social, and racial backgrounds.
√
Can build relationships based on trust and respect and maintain them.
√
Can work under pressure, be patient and remain calm in stressful situations.
√
Can set boundaries and challenge inappropriate behaviour.
√
Is caring, calm, compassionate and approachable.
√
Can provide appropriate guidance, support, and advice.
√
Is confident, assertive, enthusiastic, motivated, resilient, and committed.
√
Can inspire and motivate young people and vulnerable adults.
√
Is flexible and can adapt to change.
√
Other
Essential
Desirable
Ability to respect the YMCA's Christian ethos
√
Willingness to undergo a satisfactory DBS check.
√
Have a clean valid driving licence
√
THE POST HOLDER MUST AGREE TO AUTHORISE A FULL CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK. THEY MUST ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF OFSTED.
√
Please submit both CV and Covering Letter to be considered
Title: Housing Support Officer
Salary: £12.28 per hour
Working Hours: 18.75 hours per week. Due to the nature of the post evenings and Bank Holidays work may be necessary.
Responsible to: Housing Services Manager
Location: YMCA Black Country Housing projects as agreed
Background:
YMCA Black Country Group (YMCA BCG) is the branch of the YMCA global movement in the Black Country. YMCA BCG operates charitable companies & associated trading subsidiaries in the Black Country boroughs and South Staffordshire area. The combined turnover of the group is in excess of £6M, delivering a wide range of community services including supported housing, youth work, childcare and family support, drug and alcohol counselling, skills and employment training, health and well-being services. YMCA BCG employs over 200 staff and also works with around 50 volunteers and voluntary trustees.
Job role:
To support the Housing Services Manager to ensure the provision of high-quality day-to-day housing management and tenancy sustainment functions of the YMCA's housing stock in Black Country. This includes, but not exclusively, the letting, management, maintenance, administration, rent collection and provision of housing services on all allocated Black Country housing properties. In addition, monitoring and reviewing the progress of residents within the schemes using various tenancy sustainment assessment tool, enabling them to Belong, Contribute and Thrive.
Duties:
Access to Housing & Tenancy Sustainment
1. To be involved in interviewing applicants and carrying out the appropriate needs and risk assessments and reference checks before offering accommodation.
2. To carry out an appropriate induction to the allocated Black Country housing property once an offer has been made to an applicant.
3. To coordinate or signpost any additional support a resident may require during their time at the YMCA by liaising with internal and external agencies in relation to maintaining their accommodation.
4. To promote the services provided by YMCA Black Country Housing Services ensuring referral agencies and applicants have the appropriate information about the schemes.
5. To keep voids to a minimum on allocated properties by ensuring they are cleaned, prepared and ready to let in the quickest time possible.
6. To complete and record property checks at least monthly (more frequent if required) to ensure residents are adhering to the licence agreement and the property is being kept in a good condition, reporting any property defects in a timely manner.
Financial Accountability
7. To be responsible for managing the rent arrears of allocated properties maximising all income, reducing arrears, and ensuring all records are accurate and up to date. Monitoring any rent agreements that may be agreed by the Housing Services Manager.
8. To ensure the Housing Services Manager is aware of any rent accounts that are risky and take proactive action to address in line with the rent arrears policy.
9. Ensure residents claim all entitled benefits including Housing Benefit and other applicable benefits / grants to ensure recovery of rent and service charges.
10. Liaise with Housing Benefit staff to ensure the residents account is active and the resident is aware of their responsibility of providing any information to ensure the housing benefit is paid and reduce all arrears.
Housing Management Services
11. Liaise with Housing Benefit Office, Employment Services, Social Services, Probation Services and other authorities as necessary in relation to housing management.
12. Ensure that residents are compliant with and kept fully informed and consulted on matters affecting their Licence Agreement/Tenancy and they understand their rights and responsibilities.
13. Liaise with Housing Service Manager concerning breaches of the Licence Agreement/Tenancy at an early stage and help seek positive resolutions.
14. Make regular visits to the residents in their property to ensure safety and security of the accommodation and deliver and monitor management and support services.
15. Deliver housing services including arranging the servicing of appliances and advice on safe use of equipment and appliances where applicable.
16. Maintain information relevant to the client group including information on issues and organisations relevant to the welfare of vulnerable people.
17. Ensure incidents / issues arising are fully reported and investigated and take action to resolve problem or take holding action until a permanent solution is found.
Tenancy Sustainment Support
18. Deliver person centred support to residents living in our supported housing units enabling them to sustain their tenancy whilst working in a Trauma Informed way and deliver services that are culturally sensitive, safe services that people trust and want to use.
19. Ensure that resident's needs are monitored appropriately, and that personal progression is recorded utilising the outcomes star, wellbeing assessment and other tools as required.
20. Proactively engage residents in a range of 1-1 and group interventions enabling them to address their needs and sustain their tenancy.
21. Ensure that all safeguarding concerns are recorded, and action taken where required.
22. To support residents to move on from our supported accommodation when we feel they have the skills to live independently. Enable them to bid on properties as required or consider other suitable housing options for resettlement.
Maintenance Tasks
23. Undertake regular visits to the housing properties including communal areas to inspect the accommodation and get resident feedback to ensure that repairs and cleaning of the buildings are carried out promptly to a high standard and that safety and security is maintained.
24. Support residents to raise repairs and maintenance issues or do so on their behalf.
25. Carry out an end of licence visit with the resident to ensure the property is left in a good condition.
26. Complete a void report when the property becomes vacant and submit to the Housing Services Manager / or their representative to minimise void periods.
27. Work to ensure the general security of the buildings including the testing of the alarm systems, CCTV, door entry and communications systems where applicable.
General
28. Prepare statistical and other reports as required by stakeholders or as requested by the Housing Services Manager ensuring all administrative functions (including updating rent accounts, the Client Record Management system, Outcome Star, Wellbeing Assessments etc) are carried out efficiency as necessary for the post.
29. Contribute to the review of paperwork, policies and procedures and systems used with the housing services to improve services and ensuring best practice.
30. Promote the aims and purposes of the YMCA.
31. Participate in Housing Staff meetings and other housing related meetings with residents and stakeholders as required.
32. To represent the association at agreed external meetings and report back to the Housing Services Manager.
33. Carry out work responsibilities in line with the Association's policies and procedures including safeguarding, equality and diversity, staff development and ensuring the health and safety of self and others at all times.
34. To carry out any other reasonable duty as requested by the Housing Services Manager or Head of Housing.
Person Specification
Job role: Housing Support Officer
Experience / Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Current in-depth knowledge of housing issues and legislation, particularly pertaining to homelessness
√
Knowledge of the benefits and welfare system
√
Knowledge of external bodies associated with and or affiliated to supported housing
√
Experience of working in a supported housing environment with young people or vulnerable adults
√
Experience of completing reports, support plans, action plans, and tracking progression
√
Experience of delivering Trauma Informed Care
√
Excellent level of education (literacy, IT and numeracy)
√
Training relevant to supported housing and the client group
√
NVQ level 3 or equivalent in Housing or Support related field
√
Skills / Abilities
Essential
Desirable
Ability to demonstrate an empathetic and person-centred approach
√
Ability to demonstrate and understand the importance of effective team working
√
Ability to work with minimal or no supervision and to use initiative
√
Ability to multitask and prioritise using effective organisation and planning skills
√
Ability to solve problems
√
Ability to understand and represent service users' rights and best interests whilst liaising with other professionals on the service user's behalf
√
Ability to assess changes in service users' needs, health, mood etc and alert others to any potential risks or safeguarding issues
√
Ability to build appropriate relationships with young people and vulnerable adults, listen actively and respond appropriately to service users' needs
√
Ability to work with discretion, integrity and confidentially in a nonjudgmental way
√
Personal Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Can understand the needs of people from diverse cultural, social, and racial backgrounds.
√
Can build relationships based on trust and respect and maintain them.
√
Can work under pressure, be patient and remain calm in stressful situations.
√
Can set boundaries and challenge inappropriate behaviour.
√
Is caring, calm, compassionate and approachable.
√
Can provide appropriate guidance, support, and advice.
√
Is confident, assertive, enthusiastic, motivated, resilient, and committed.
√
Can inspire and motivate young people and vulnerable adults.
√
Is flexible and can adapt to change.
√
Other
Essential
Desirable
Ability to respect the YMCA's Christian ethos
√
Willingness to undergo a satisfactory DBS check.
√
Have a clean valid driving licence
√
THE POST HOLDER MUST AGREE TO AUTHORISE A FULL CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK. THEY MUST ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF OFSTED.
√
Please submit both CV and Covering Letter to be considered