Housing Officer

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

1.  To the Manager/Team Leader;

• To work for Peter McVerry Trust within the authority delegated to him/her by the Manager/Team Leader;
• Meet with the Manager/Team Leader at regular intervals regarding the progress of his/her work;
• To assist the Manager/Team Leader in delivering core housing management services to residents of PMVT and their communities.

2.    To provide direct support to residents through:

• Assisting them to manage their tenancies with intervention, support and supervision;
• Providing SLI (Supported Independent Living) service for the initial 6 months of their tenancy;
• Supporting them to manage their recovery in PMVT’s drug free accommodation;
• Supporting residents in managing the payment of their rent and putting supports in place where they are managing rent arrears;
• When required, providing advocacy and referral to community services to help the residents integrate into their communities;
• Engaging in out of hours on call service on roster basis;
• Liaising with the appropriate agencies to support the ongoing health and well-being of the residents.

3.     To assist with residents’ case work through:

• Communicating with staff of Peter McVerry Trust where relevant;
• Key-working the residents (where required);
• Assisting with resident’s Individual Support Plans;
• Ensuring that residents are fully informed about all entitlements.

4.      To maintain a safe and healthy living environment through:

• Adhering to safety and security protocols;
• Supporting residents with estate management matters;
• Ensuring that the environment in which they are living, inside and communal areas, are maintained to a high standard at all times;
• Advising and supporting residents with housekeeping needs;
• Mediating disputes and encouraging co-operation in shared living environments.

5.    To respond to requests for service through:

• Linking in with other Peter McVerry Trust services, screening and assessment;
• Communication of information and referral to services where required.

6.    To undertake administrative duties through:

• Maintaining residents’ details and documentation;
• Rent collection and administration;
• Actively participating in staff meetings;
• Providing written reports to the Manager/ Team Leader where necessary;
• Recording any Incidents / Accidents that may occur.

7.            Change in work programme:

• It may be necessary, from time to time, for workload to be re-prioritised in order to accommodate workloads in other areas of the organization.  Due notice and consultation will be given.

8.            To have a positive and enthusiastic attitude in work:

• In your interactions with management, staff and participants of the Peter McVerry Trust.
• In your interactions with external agencies while representing the Peter McVerry Trust.

9.            Other Duties:

• Any other duties as designated by the Manager/Team Leader/Social Care Leader.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree level qualification in housing, social care/youth work, addiction studies or related field;
• Essential competencies: Commitment to providing the highest level of service, respect for others, openness to change, communication skills– oral, aural and written, contributing to the prevention and management of challenging behavior, professionalism & maintaining professional boundaries and effective team working. (All other competencies to be reviewed as part of the supervision and support process);
• At least 2 years’ experience in the area of housing and homelessness.