Job Description:

Housing Manager – Supported Housing

Location: Berkshire

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

Due to company expansion, our client is looking for an additional experienced and proactive Housing Manager to take ownership of a growing supported housing portfolio.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands housing management but also wants the opportunity to build, improve and develop a housing function as an organisation grows.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of their properties and tenancies, including rent and Housing Benefit, compliance, repairs, voids, occupancy agreements, resident issues and relationships with landlords, local authorities and partner organisations.

You will work closely with care and support providers while maintaining clear boundaries between the housing and support functions.

They are looking for someone who takes ownership, solves problems and is comfortable working in an environment where they will initially need to wear several hats.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

• Taking ownership of the day-to-day housing management function across our client’s supported housing portfolio.
• Managing tenancies, licences and occupancy agreements from sign-up through to move-on or termination.
• Overseeing rent accounts, Housing Benefit claims, arrears and income collection.
• Liaising with Housing Benefit teams and local authorities to resolve claims and payment issues.
• Managing voids and ensuring properties are prepared and occupied as efficiently as possible.
• Carrying out regular property and tenancy inspections.
• Coordinating repairs and maintenance with landlords, contractors and relevant teams.
• Maintaining oversight of property compliance including gas, electrical, fire, legionella and other relevant statutory requirements.
• Managing housing-related complaints, ASB, neighbour disputes and breaches of occupancy agreements.
• Maintaining accurate housing, property and compliance records.
• Building strong working relationships with landlords, Registered Providers, local authorities, commissioners and other partners.
• Supporting the mobilisation and onboarding of new properties and supported housing schemes.
• Producing regular management information covering occupancy, voids, arrears, rent collection, repairs and compliance.
• Developing and improving housing policies, procedures, systems and controls as the organisation grows.
• Identifying risks and ensuring issues are followed through to resolution.

What They’re Looking For

You will ideally have:

• At least two years' experience in housing management, preferably within supported housing, social housing, temporary accommodation, HMOs or a similar environment.
• Good knowledge of Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing costs.
• Experience managing rent accounts, arrears and income collection.
• Practical knowledge of tenancy and licence agreements and housing management processes.
• Experience dealing with housing-related matters involving vulnerable adults.
• Good understanding of residential property compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Experience working with landlords, local authorities, Housing Benefit teams and contractors.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Confidence managing multiple properties, priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good IT skills and confidence using housing or property management systems.
• An understanding of safeguarding and appropriate escalation procedures.

Experience of supported / specified accommodation, Registered Providers, eligible service charges, supported housing rent structures or mobilisation of new schemes would be particularly advantageous.

The Person They’re Looking For

Qualifications and experience are important, but they are equally interested in how you work.

They want someone who:

• Takes ownership and follows things through.
• Is highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Doesn't wait to be told what to do when they can see something needs addressing.
• Are comfortable solving problems and making decisions.
• Can build positive relationships while also having difficult conversations when required.
• Has strong attention to detail, particularly around compliance and documentation.
• Can work independently while being a collaborative member of the wider team.
• Wants to help build something rather than simply inherit an established housing department.

Why Join Our Client

Our client is at an exciting stage of its development.

Their portfolio is growing, and this role provides the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the housing management function and help shape how it develops.

You won't simply be managing an existing system. You will have the opportunity to improve processes, introduce better systems, establish strong housing management standards and help build the infrastructure required for future growth.

As the portfolio expands, there will also be the opportunity to help develop the wider housing team and take on increased responsibility.

If you are an experienced housing professional who enjoys taking ownership, improving services and helping organisations grow, our client would be very interested in hearing from you.

Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check – our client will arrange this.
• Right to work in the UK.