Housing & Welfare Officer

Background

Hollywell Housing Trust is an award-winning registered charity and social enterprise providing housing support and tenancy management for people with a learning disability and/or autism across Devon and Cornwall. Hollywell was set up in 2014 and during this time has developed rapidly, meaning that we are looking to recruit a part time individual to help us with providing housing related support to those we work with in Plymouth.

We believe that everyone should have the right to a safe, secure and sustainable home and be able to make their own choices around how and where they live. Our role is to find them a home and then support them to manage their tenancy. The people Hollywell works with are vulnerable, often having been unsuitably housed previously and many have issues with anxiety and communication. Seeing them thrive in their home is incredibly rewarding.

This role will grow as the number of tenants in Plymouth increases, meaning that there is an opportunity for the role to develop into a part or full-time post over the next 12/24 months.

The Role

The Housing & Welfare Officer plays a pivotal role in the work that Hollywell does. As part of the support service that we provide to our tenants the Housing & Welfare Officer visits each one every week for a ‘Tenancy Clinic’, spending time with them discussing how they are getting on in their home, whether they are getting adequate support and how Hollywell can support them to thrive. This is not a role that involves personal care, however Hollywell works closely with care providers to ensure that the tenant is getting the right support for their needs. The role is about building a trusting relationship with the tenant, learning about their aspirations for the future and supporting them to grow as well as reporting and dealing with any maintenance issues at the properties.

The role is initially for 15 hours a week and the majority will be community based. You will carry out weekly Tenancy Clinics for each of our tenants, travelling to their home and spending some time talking to them and checking they are happy, safe and thriving in their home and community.

The role will also include ensuring that your notes from the Tenancy Clinics are completed and filed as well as coordinating any maintenance repairs with contractors and property owners. It will also involve liaising with landlords and contractors to ensure that any maintenance work is completed in a timely manner.

Who we are looking for

You do not need any previous experience although a background in social care or working with vulnerable adults would be very advantageous

You will need to be communicative, compassionate friendly and willing to spend time with our tenants getting to know them and being perceptive enough to spot issues. 

You need to be flexible and comfortable with lone working.

You MUST live in Plymouth or within a ten-minute drive.

You will need to be over 18 years, have access to your own transport and hold a full UK driving licence.

You will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.We are a happy, hardworking team of 6 and are all very passionate about the work we are doing – a ‘team player’ attitude is essential!

Base

The role is community/home based although monthly meetings are held in Exeter. You do need to live in Plymouth or close surrounds but you will be based at home.