Jobs and Careers Spring 2020 - 163

S O C I A L H O US I N G

ith more than
four million
social homes in
the UK, social
housing is a
huge sector,
employing more than 150,000
people. Employers range from local
and district councils and housing
associations to hostels, cooperatives,
charities and private companies.
People require social housing for many
reasons, including restricted income,
long-term disability, leaving an abusive
home and having been recently homeless.
By working in this sector, you'll have
the chance to
help some of the
most vulnerable
people in society by
ensuring they have
a decent home in a
safe environment.
From providing
advice to tenants
to negotiating property transactions,
estate maintenance or running sheltered
accommodation, there are many
contributions you can make when
working in the housing sector - and
there are plenty of roles that don't
require qualifications or formal training.

tenants, preparing evidence and
attending court hearings, supporting
residents' groups and referring tenants
to sources of welfare advice.
What qualifications do I need? Entry is
possible at various levels, from GCSEs or
equivalent through to graduate entry. The
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
offers a level 3 certificate in housing
practice that can be taken with or
without being in relevant employment.
How much can I earn? Junior housing
assistants earn around £18,000 a year,
rising to £22,000 to £32,000 for housing
officers, depending on experience. Senior
housing managers can earn £60,000.

Employers range
from local councils
to cooperatives and
private companies

Housing officer
This role is usually within a local
authority or housing association.
The job includes a variety of duties
such as making sure rents are paid
on time, carrying out property
inspections, arranging maintenance
work, dealing with enquiries from

Scheme
manager

Also known as a
warden or house
manager, you'll
be responsible for
the management
of a sheltered
or retirement housing scheme. The
role involves building relationships
with people living in the scheme,
providing information and summoning
help. You could be resident on site
and offer a 24-hour service or be a
visiting or part-time manager.
With experience, you could
become an accommodation manager
with responsibility for several
centres and wardens, or move into
housing or block management.
What qualifications do I need? There
are no formal requirements, but paid
or unpaid experience of working with
vulnerable people and/or qualifications in

Diversity in housing
Making the industry reflect those who use its services
A 2015 report by the Chartered Institute of Housing showed that 11% of CIH members and
7% of housing's leaders are from BAME backgrounds, a clear disparity with the realities of
social housing. A 2018 analysis by the Human City Institute showed that the number of social
housing tenants from BAME backgrounds was 17% and rising.
The National Housing Federation (NHF) staged Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Housing
Conferences in 2018 and 2019. With speakers from local and national government, private
companies and charities, its aim was to address inequality and embrace inclusivity, as well as
bringing together managers and diversity leaders in the sector from all over the UK.
Home Group, one of the UK's largest social landlords, has enhanced its equality, diversity
and inclusion policy with a Role Models programme. Chief executive Mark Henderson says it
is a "powerful way to break down barriers, improve relationships, challenge stereotypes and
create positive change".

health and social care will be welcomed,
as will a current first aid certificate. An
apprenticeship in housing could also help
you secure work as a scheme manager.
How much can I earn? Starting salaries
are around £18,000 to £20,000. As a
bonus, the role may include rent-free
or reduced-rent accommodation.

Supported housing worker
The overall aim of this role is to help
people live as independently as possible.
You'll help the most vulnerable people
in society, including those experiencing
domestic abuse, young people leaving
care, homeless people and elderly people.
What qualifications do I need? A
housing or social care qualification
is helpful but not always necessary.
Employers are keen to recruit
candidates who can demonstrate a
willingness to work with vulnerable
people in challenging circumstances
in a non-judgemental way.
How much can I earn? Around
£19,000 at entry level, rising to
£28,000 or so with experience.

Estates officer
These officers have responsibility
for the management and upkeep of
land and property belonging to local
councils, public bodies and private
estates. Day-to-day duties can include
organising and checking repairs and
maintenance, setting rents, advising on
purchase issues, analysing financial data
and writing and presenting reports.
What qualifications do I need?
You'll usually need an HNC, HND
or degree in a related subject, such
as building services engineering,
surveying, construction management
or facilities and estate management.
How much can I earn? From £21,000,
rising to £35,000 with experience. Estate
managers can earn up to £50,000.

Find out more
* Chartered Institute of
Housing cih.org
* Institute of Residential Property
Management irpm.org.uk
* National Housing Federation
housing.org.uk
* University College of Estate
Management ucem.ac.uk

JOBS & CAREERS /// 163

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http://www.cih.org http://irpm.org.uk http://housing.org.uk http://ucem.ac.uk

Jobs and Careers Spring 2020

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