HOUSING MANAGER (Supported Housing)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to:The Director

Salary:£25k per annum

Hours:35 hours per week (6 months fixed term contract)

Location:Newcastle

Established in 1989, The North of England Refugee Service (NERS) is an independent charity that works across the North East of England to support those who have come to the region seeking refuge from persecution in their own countries. We help refugees to fulfil their potential. NERS supplies both crisis services and longer term emotional and practical support to asylum seekers and refugees, helping to ensure that they avoid a cycle of disadvantage on arrival in this country.

Our team of 12 paid core staff, plus dozens of volunteers and sessional staff, provide four interlinked areas of service; asylum advice, integration support, supported housing and interpreting. We also work with local and national partner agencies to positively influence social policies and community attitudes in support of refugees.

Our supported housing projects currently include 20 properties in Newcastle on licence from two social housing providers.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide an efficient and effective supported housing management service; in accordance with the Care Quality Commission regulation and the Organisation’s policies and practice.

KEY ROLES OF THE POST

  1. To lead on the delivery of an efficient, high quality, client-centred service in line with contract requirement, empowering clients to live as independently as possible.
  1. To undertake client assessments and to produce and review support and personal safety plans for individuals to ensure high quality standard of support that promotes independent living.Where appropriate, work with client, advocates and/or representatives from other agencies to coordinate an integrated support/care package
  1. To lead on the negotiation and maintenance of service level agreements with partner agencies.
  1. To lead on the determination and administration of changes in rent and service charges in accordance with legislation, contractual arrangement and best practice.
  1. To manage support workers and volunteers where required.
  1. To ensure that Safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.
  1. To directly audit, undertake or oversee housing management duties i.e. managing rent accounts, tenancy obligations, void works and defect checks as required to ensure client promise standards are being met.
  1. To adhere to and operate within agreed rent arrears and voids policy and procedures minimising voids and maximising income.
  1. To prepare and present progress reports on a monthly basis, compile statistics as required and use; maintain and update project records and systems.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Experience of delivering client centred housing and / or related services
  • Experience of assessing and monitoring clients’ needs and abilities.
  • Experience of coordinating and developing support workers (paid and/or volunteers).
  • Experience of overseeing landlord and housing management duties, including -letting, rent collection and reporting repairs.
  • Experience of taking formal tenancy action, up-to and including court proceedings.
  • Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system.
  • Knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable individuals who require support.
  • Experience of supporting clients to access the resources available in local communities.
  • Basic understanding of housing law i.e. tenancies, evictions etc.
  • Good understanding of relevant regulatory requirements in relation to care e.g. Care Quality Commission essential standards of quality and safety.

SKILLS AND ABILITY

  • Ability to empower clients to achieve their own goals.
  • Ability to understand and work with diverse cultures.
  • Ability to use computerised systems including word processing, email, spread sheet and databases.
  • Ability to work within timescales and deadlines.
  • Ability to work without constant supervision and within a small team, high pressure setting.

Equal Opportunities

NERS is an equal opportunities employer. All employees are expected to conduct themselves according to NERS policies and act in a manner which values social justice and diversity.

Flexibility:

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed and the worker may sometimes be required to perform work not specifically referred to above.

Given the nature of the work, it is necessary that jobholders are prepared to work outside of their notional hours of work when occasion demands.

Apply by completing and submitting the application from to

Registered office: The North of England Refugee Service

2 Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XA

Telephone (0191) 245 7301; Facsimile (0191) 222 0985

Web site: Email:

Registered Charity No 1091200 A company Limited by Guarantee no 3643622; OISC No. N200100175