Housing Management Jobs in Berkshire
BACKGROUND
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network. We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. You can find out more about our work on our website.
We are embarking on an ambitious new direction at Habitat GB; leveraging our global housing expertise and the learning from our flagship national programme “Empty Spaces to Homes” to work collaboratively with Habitat colleagues across Europe in effecting change at a policy level.
“Empty Spaces to Homes” is a ground-breaking initiative focused on a circular buildings approach that already has a feasible proof of concept from piloting, with strong upscaling potential. The premise is simple; unlocking the potential of long term empty commercial spaces to create affordable housing for vulnerable people. As well as the social benefits of adding to affordable housing stock, the Empty Spaces to Homes approach of retrofitting existing structures – at a much lower carbon cost - offers a greener and more sustainable way to meet the housing gap, in comparison to the environmental impact of the new build construction industry. Breaking down long-standing barriers to resource-efficient renovation is essential if the UK is to play its part in meeting ambitious global decarbonisation targets.
Purpose of The role
The UK Housing Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading advocacy efforts, shaping policies, and promoting sustainable housing solutions for affordable housing in Great Britain, particularly through our groundbreaking initiative "Empty Spaces to Homes."
As this is a new role, and is being recruited alongside the Head of Global Affairs and Advocacy, key responsibilities will include the establishment of a new function at Habitat GB. It involves working closely with colleagues across the Habitat GB organisation and contributing to advocacy efforts across the Habitat network at global and regional levels through engagement, strategy and shared learning. Key responsibilities also include developing communication and advocacy strategies targeting professionals and decision makers in social, environmental and housing sectors, as well as undertaking research and writing policy papers.
Main Responsibilities
1) Research and Analysis:
- Commission and conduct in-depth research into current British housing landscapes and related legislation, assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for converting unused premises into social housing and its environmental impact.
- Identify legal changes necessary to facilitate such activities and advocate for their implementation.
2) Lead Policy Advocacy Efforts:
- Utilise research findings to develop policy positions and identify priority issues, setting policy goals, and mapping out related advocacy activities.
- Embed critical concepts such as embodied carbon and whole life cycle into policy communications to amplify Habitat GB's messaging.
3) Partnerships and Networks:
- Join and represent Habitat GB at existing coalitions or form new coalitions if necessary with stakeholders in the social, environmental, and housing sectors to advocate for climate and equity-related incentives in national and local legislations, policies, and funding mechanisms.
- Build a network of relationships among key stakeholder groups and individual decision-makers to advance Habitat's policy goals.
- Identify strategic events and ensure speaking roles for Habitat GB.
- Represent Empty Spaces to Homes and Habitat for Humanity’s wider UK programmes for awareness raising, advocacy and other priorities at key meetings and events.
4) Direct Lobbying:
- Cultivate strategic relationships with key decision-makers to further Habitat's policy objectives.
5) Collaboration:
- Develop collaborative partnerships internally with Habitat entities across Europe, aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the Empty Spaces to Homes initiative.
- Support communication efforts to underpin advocacy efforts effectively.
6) Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Work with the Impact Team to provide regular updates on advocacy strategy activities and evaluate their effectiveness.
Person Specification
· Proven experience in professional advocacy to influence key policy positions and decisions, preferably in housing or a related field.
· Track record in delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.
· Experience in engaging stakeholders and decision-makers through events, networks, and meetings.
· Experience in community mobilisation or engagement.
· Understanding of housing poverty policies and related social welfare issues in Great Britain, with the ability to advise on effective mechanisms for influence.
· Familiarity with Local Authority Governance and opportunities for policy influence at local and regional levels.
Skills and competencies:
· Proficient in clear and effective written and verbal communication to convey complex policy matters to diverse groups.
· Strong relationship-building skills with government representatives, NGOs, and various stakeholders.
· Strategic thinking abilities and collaborative work approach towards organisational objectives and advocacy approaches.
· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.
· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.
· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.
· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.
· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat.
The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:
· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding
Policy.
· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Job descriptions may be subject to change.
Flexibility
Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team. It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Start your Habitat journey
We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4.
The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 (at 11:59 pm).
Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 20 May 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.
Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.
We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.
This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder.
Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct.
At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.
Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a Housing & Income Officer to join our Landlord Services team based locally at our services in Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead.
£32,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel in control of your career? You’ll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures - we’ve thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Look Ahead manages a number of young people services in Bracknell and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Look Ahead is looking for a highly motivated and committed Housing & Income Officer for an initial 6-month placement to work alongside our support workers and deliver a good quality intensive housing management service to our customers.
The successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of housing management within the service. This will include rent arrears management, occupancy agreement management, ASB management, void management and some compliance and repair reporting responsibilities. This is not an exclusive list.
You will be based at our local offices in Bracknell, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. You will have significant daily contact with our customers and staff.
The successful candidate needs to be able to meet challenging targets for arrears and voids, have excellent problem-solving skills and be prepared to “go the extra mile”.
The role is based on site at two of our young people's schemes- visiting customers in their homes and having a presence in the community. This role covers Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead region.
This role is a Fixed Term Contract, lasting 6-9 months.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you’ll do:
• Sign up new customers to the appropriate occupancy agreement and ensure housing benefit claims submitted and maintained correctly.
• Be responsible for monitoring and updating all relevant information on Look Ahead`s housing management database including inputting all new customers and ending occupancy agreements in a timely way.
• Proactively monitor rent accounts and take timely and effective action to deal with increasing rent and service charge arrears.
• Ensure all customers are supported to have the most appropriate payment method (rent payment cards, direct debit etc.) for their individual circumstances to ensure easy payment of their rent and/or arrears.
• Lead on making back-dated claims for housing benefit and appealing over-payment deductions.
• Ensure that all customers are kept informed of their rent account status regularly and that action plans are agreed with customers to address any arrears or other rent related issues promptly.
• Issuing arrears warning letters, monitor payment agreements and escalate arrears enforcement action.
• Serve accurate notices for possession, complete court paperwork and represent Look Ahead in court cases in the county court.
• Requesting rent adjustments and repayment of housing benefit over-payments
• Ensure that there are effective and on-going liaison processes in place with key agencies such as the housing benefit service, Department of Work and Pensions and local police.
• Develop and promote financial inclusion initiatives in the service such as advertising credit unions and local debt management advice services.
• Act as the lead role for void management in services – ensure void inspection forms are completed, void reporting systems are maintained and that there is effective liaison with the organisation’s void team and contractors. Ensure that void turnaround times are in line with Key Performance Indicators and post inspections are completed and reported.
• Support local staff to ensure occupancy levels at the service are as high as possible and escalate issues where necessary.
• Lead on ASB enforcement across the portfolio ensuring early intervention techniques are utilised. Ensure timely and appropriate actions is taken against perpetrators including issuing warnings and serving notices where appropriate.
• Maintaining systems and spreadsheets associated with all housing management functions and producing reports and data where requested.
• Act as the lead role for reporting repairs in the service both in communal areas (internal and external areas) as well as in customer rooms. Ensure all works are post inspected and reported. Liaise with contractors to ensure access is granted.
• Act as the lead officer in completing all required compliance tasks within the service including call point and fire alarm checks, fire door checks, fire evacuation drills, health and safety inspections, carrying out living standard checks. This list is not exhaustive.
• Make sure all compliance records are maintained to a good standard and that KPIs are being met. Liaise with the scheme manager regarding underperformance against compliance targets.
• Participate in team meetings, 1:1 meetings with the manager and undertake any training required for the post.
• Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/Manager
• Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support, those specific to the project including any statutory requirements.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
• Approachable and open behaviour. Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
• Exercises decisions and discretion in a non-judgmental manner.
• Is assertive and will challenge others.
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
• Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem.
• Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about his/her career and job experiences.
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
• Committed and passionate about improving the life chances of vulnerable customers.
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour.
What you’ll bring:
Essential:
- Experience of monitoring rent accounts and managing rent arrears
- Experience of using computerised rent systems to monitor arrears and record information.
- Ability to track and manage void properties and ASB cases.
- Knowledge of managing ASB and lettings and be able to explain good practice in this area.
- Extensive knowledge of welfare benefits, especially housing benefit.
- Experience of liaising with housing benefit departments, the DWP and other external agencies.
- Confidence in interpreting rent accounts and using IT packages to run and create reports, identify priorities, and update records.
Desirable:
- 1-2 years’ experience in housing management.
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager
Job title: Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager
Employer: Rowan Alba
Time: Part time – to be agreed, with an initial fixed term for review
Salary: £36,500 per annum based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours
Location:Working from home with occasional meetings in Edinburgh
Closing date: 3rd May 2024 (We reserve the right to close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found.)
Role
Rowan Alba works to end homelessness in Edinburgh by providing permanent supported homes and building relationships with individuals in crisis. We also work in our communities with volunteers who provide vital support to the most vulnerable in an attempt to prevent homelessness. Our experience lends itself to exemplar training programmes aimed at helping employers understand conditions around addictions.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and confident communicator for the new role of Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager to increase awareness of our work and develop new funding streams from individual, community and corporate partnerships.
You will be a creative, organised and motivated individual with a positive track record in working independently to develop corporate and community funder relationships.
Working alongside our Communications Manager, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Manager and Leadership Team you will develop an engagement strategy to help increase awareness of our work and raise vital funds to support our organisational development including the creation of new permanent homes for individuals with long-term experience of homelessness.
Main duties and responsibilities will include:
- Developing and maintaining relationships with new and existing corporate partners
- Developing opportunities to deliver training to corporate staff and organising volunteering activities
- Working with staff and volunteers to develop and implement community fundraising opportunities including sponsorship activities and local events
- Organising events for key stakeholders to increase Rowan Alba profile
- Managing relevant KPIs and appropriate CRM system for all individual and corporate funder communication and outcomes
- Ensuring the organisation adheres to the codes of fundraising practice set by the Fundraising Regulator
Core competencies
- Experience in relationship building and delivering long term funding support from a variety of sources
- Excellent presentation, verbal and written skills
- Ability to manage a varied workload and work independently, and with a small core team
- Experience of event organisation and management including working with volunteers
- Administrative skills and experience in use of appropriate CRM solutions, cloud-based platforms such as SharePoint, Zoom, Teams
- Demonstrate respect and compassion to the people we work with and represent Rowan Alba positively and professionally at all times
What you can expect from us
Salary: £36,500 per annum, based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: To be agreed, with an initial fixed term for review
Info: 28 days annual leave plus 4 public holidays (based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours) and contributory pension scheme
Location: Working from home with occasional meetings in Edinburgh
For more information about the job, please visiting our website for the job description & person specification.
If you are interested in the post, please download the application form visiting our website and returning it to Jamie Beaton via email or by post to 1 Lochrin Square, 92-98 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QA, FAO Jamie Beaton at Rowan Alba.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.