Housing Officer

**Housing Officer**
**Salary**: £32,550 per annum
**Hours**: 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday
**Contract**:4 Month Fixed term Contract - with a view to going permanent

**Working Arrangement**:

- **Monday to Thursday**: Site-based work, visiting properties and engaging directly with tenants
- **Fridays**: working from Home
- **Every third Tuesday**: Attendance at the Winnersh office for team meetings, training, and charity activities (this will be one of the working days that week)

**About EHSL**:
EHSL is a non-profit provider of supported housing, supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, autism, and other health and social care needs. We operate in London, surrounding counties, and other regions including the Midlands, Surrey, Thames Valley, Gloucestershire, and Yorkshire.
As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to delivering high-quality housing services that promote tenant sustainment, engagement, and involvement.

**About the Role**:
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housing Professional with a passion for delivering high-quality housing management services. This role requires a proactive individual who enjoys working directly with tenants, resolving housing-related issues, and fostering a culture of engagement and tenant involvement.

As a Housing Officer, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of properties across London and other areas of the portfolio as required. You will provide intensive housing management services, ensuring that tenants receive the necessary support to sustain their tenancies and improve their quality of life.

This is a dynamic role, requiring a mix of on-site tenant engagement, compliance management, and strategic service development.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Intensive Housing & Tenancy Management**
- Conduct tenant sign-ups, explaining tenancy/licence agreements and ensuring tenants understand their rights and responsibilities
- Provide guidance on rent payments and financial obligations, helping tenants manage their arrears and avoid eviction risks
- Actively manage a portfolio of properties, visiting them bi-weekly and conducting housing-related sustainment and support activities
- Work with the Landlord Services Team on rent collection, arrears management, and supporting our target of 99% rent collection
- Identify and address early tenancy breaches or low-level anti-social behaviour (ASB), working with tenants and relevant agencies to prevent escalation
- Ensure tenants are receiving the necessary support, including signposting to care providers, welfare services, and mental health support networks

**2. Tenant Engagement, Involvement & Community Activities**
- Develop and implement structured tenant engagement initiatives to encourage active participation in their housing experience
- Organise tenant forums, community meetings, and social activities to foster a sense of community
- Maintain a structured diary of engagement activities, tracking interactions and feedback
- Work with external partners to offer training, skills development, and social inclusion opportunities
- Encourage tenant-led initiatives and support residents in shaping EHSL’s housing services
- Promote independent living skills, including budgeting, household management, and accessing local resources

**3. Property & Compliance Management**
- Conduct regular property inspections to ensure homes are safe and well-maintained
- Report maintenance issues and follow up to ensure timely resolution
- Monitor compliance with housing regulations, fire safety policies, and safeguarding standards
- Support the turnaround of empty properties and ensure efficient re-letting
- Assist the Housing Services Manager in meeting housing compliance requirements

**4. Collaborative Working & Stakeholder Engagement**
- Build relationships with care providers, support workers, local authorities, and external agencies
- Liaise with EHSL’s Landlord Services Team on rent and arrears issues
- Collaborate with the property and maintenance teams to address concerns
- Act as the first point of contact for tenants, offering reassurance and practical support

**5. Administration & Case Management**
- Keep accurate records of all tenant interactions and engagement activities
- Complete reports, case notes, and housing-related documentation
- Monitor arrears and support rent collection strategies
- Update tenant engagement plans based on feedback and service review
- Manage tenancy renewals and maintain digital case files

**6. Team Development & Office-Based Activities (Every Third Tuesday)**
- Attend team meetings to share best practices and service updates
- Participate in ongoing training and sector development opportunities
- Contribute to charity and community initiatives led by EHSL

**Person Specification**

**Essential**
- Experience in housing management, social housing, or supported accommodation
- Good knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy agree