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Housing officer

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Social work and caring services
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Career outlook for housing officer

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£21,000

Experienced

£35,000

Currently employed in Scotland

6,600

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would find a home for people who want to rent a house from a council or housing association.

You would usually be responsible for a particular housing estate or group of properties owned by the council or housing association. You’d regularly inspect the houses and organise repairs if necessary.

You’d help people with advice on their finances, if necessary, and encourage tenants to take part in tenancy groups that help shape the community in which they live. You would meet lots of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

You would:

  • Assess the needs of people applying for a house
  • Allocate the empty properties
  • Do regular inspections to make sure all properties are in a good state of repair
  • Refer tenants to appropriate sources of advice about benefits and welfare
  • Set the rents and deal with payments and arrears
  • Prevent and resolve anti-social behaviour and broken tenancy agreements
  • Arrange for legal action where necessary
  • Gather statistical information and prepare reports
  • Attend tenants' meetings

You would work closely with other organisations like local government social services and welfare rights organisations.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work a 37 hour week, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to work in the evenings, for example to attend tenants' meetings. Part-time work may be available.

Environment

You would be mainly office-based.

Travel

You would spend some of your time out of the office visiting tenants, inspecting properties and attending meetings. Some jobs may require a driving licence.

UK employment status

Full-time

77%

Part-time

20%

Self employed

4%

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  • Negotiating
  • Time management
  • Developing a plan
  • Verbal communication
  • Cooperating
  • Building relationships
  • Empathising
  • Resourceful
  • Problem solving

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this work but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6.

There is a Modern Apprenticeship in Housing (SCQF level 5 - 6/7).

Many housing organisations offer graduate trainee schemes; a degree in property management, social policy or public administration would be helpful. 

There are a number of diploma, degree and MSc postgraduate courses that are partially or fully recognised by Chartered Institue of Housing (CIH) and would support CIH Chartered Membership.

For entry to a degree (SCQF level 10)  you usually need National 5 qualifications and three to five Highers. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting. 

You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.

With a suitable honours degree and relevant experience you can apply to a masters (SCQF level 11).

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Administration

You will also need

To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.

You may require a driving licence for some jobs.

Helpful to have

Relevant industry qualifications such as Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Certificate or Diploma in Housing Practice, or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job. CIH Chartered Membership can also be helpful.