Housing officers are involved with the day to day management of rented properties for local authorities and housing associations.

The Work

You could be:

• interviewing new tenants, considering their needs, deciding how suitable they are and allocating housing
• arranging agreements with tenants, giving advice on benefits they could apply for and organising rent collections
• taking account of the needs of special groups such as those with disabilities, older people or asylum seekers
• inspecting houses or flats to check their condition and arranging repairs
• dealing with anti-social tenants and those who break agreements, abandoned tenancies and squatters
• dealing with social services and other welfare organisations
• preparing cases for court and representing your organisation in court cases
• meeting individual tenants or tenants’ associations to discuss housing problems or property exchanges
• dealing with rent payments and arrears.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the local authority or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries for housing assistants in Scotland tend to be around £21,000 to £24,000 a year. Housing officers can earn around £24,000 and £28,000 a year. Managers can earn over £35,000 a year.

Conditions

• You would be based in an office.
• You would sometimes have to visit tenants in their homes and carry out inspections.
• You would also need to visit properties and the offices of related organisations.
• You would work normal office hours, but may have to work some evenings.
• You may be able to work part time.

Getting In

• There is no single entry route to this job. Although some entrants have a degree (SCQF Level 9) most employers prefer experience to qualifications.
• You might take a degree in a subject such as property management, social policy or public administration. Entry requirements for a degree are 4-5 Highers, usually including English.
• Some employers ask for an SVQ in Housing at Level 4, or a NC in a subject such as business.
• You could study part time at college on a day release, evening or distance learning basis, leading to a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Certificate in Housing Practice or Diploma in Housing.
• You could take a postgraduate qualification in housing studies. In Scotland these are available at the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling.
• You may be able to start with a local authority or housing association in a clerical or administrative post and study part time to become a housing officer. You would normally need to have at least 3-4 subjects at National 4 including English.
• For most posts you need a driving licence.

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• able to work well under pressure
• good at negotiating
• tactful and diplomatic
• able to take criticism and cope with stressful situations
• encouraging to other staff
• able to work on your own
• able to keep accurate records
• able to understand different cultural backgrounds and different needs.

You should have:

• a good knowledge of housing laws
• good spoken and written communication skills
• good IT skills
• excellent organisational skills
• an understanding of budgets.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on the job, combined with study for qualifications relevant to your level of entry.
• You could study part time for a qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
• If you have a degree, you could take a part time postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11) in housing.
• Some courses are available by distance learning as well as by part time attendance at college.

Getting On

• In many organisations, there is a clear promotion structure.
• In a local authority you could follow a promotion route from housing officer to senior officer, through to director level.
• You might move on to work for a housing association specialising in homes for older people, homeless or people with disabilities.
• Your promotion prospects may be helped if you are prepared to move to different parts of the country.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.