We’re recruiting a Housing Manager on behalf of a housing association delivering supported living services, based in Crawley, West Sussex. This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week, offering a salary of £45,000 per annum depending on qualifications, knowledge and experience.
This is a senior opportunity to lead the delivery and development of a supported living housing service, with real scope to shape how it operates. You’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day management of tenancies and properties, making sure tenants receive a responsive, accountable service that supports their independence, dignity and wellbeing. Working closely with tenants, families, advocates, care providers and local authorities, you’ll maintain clear professional boundaries between housing management and care provision, which is central to good practice in supported living. You’ll also supervise a Housing Administration / Support Officer and report directly to the Directors. Regular travel to supported living properties is part of the role.
Main Responsibilities:
- Managing all aspects of tenancy administration, including sign-ups, reviews, renewals and terminations
- Overseeing lettings, void management, allocations and the onboarding of new tenants
- Managing rent accounts, monitoring arrears and putting appropriate recovery and support measures in place
- Supporting tenants with Housing Benefit applications, reviews and appeals, and liaising with local authorities to resolve queries
- Working with finance colleagues to review rent levels and service charges, ensuring calculations are accurate, transparent and well evidenced
- Coordinating repairs, maintenance programmes, property inspections and contractor activity, and monitoring contractor performance
- Maintaining accurate landlord compliance records and ensuring statutory inspections and certifications are completed on time
- Supporting emergency response arrangements and contingency planning
- Investigating and resolving housing complaints and tenancy concerns fairly and consistently
- Communicating with tenants in a way that is accessible, respectful and tailored to individual needs
- Developing, implementing and reviewing housing policies, procedures and governance arrangements
- Supervising and supporting the Housing Administration / Support Officer
- Building effective partnerships with care providers, local authorities, commissioners, benefit departments and contractors
- Producing reports for the Directors on performance, expenditure, compliance, risk and tenant satisfaction
Skills/Experience:
- Significant experience in supported housing, social housing or housing management: essential
- Sound understanding of landlord responsibilities and tenancy management: essential
- Practical knowledge of Housing Benefit administration within supported housing, including exempt and specified accommodation: essential
- Knowledge of rent setting and service charge management
- Experience coordinating repairs, maintenance and property compliance
- Understanding of supported living models and the separation of housing and care functions
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles, the Mental Capacity Act and working with authorised representatives
- Experience communicating clearly and respectfully with individuals who have additional needs
- Strong organisational, problem-solving and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and housing management systems
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to travel regularly between properties: essential
- Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) qualification or equivalent: desirable
- Experience of establishing or improving a housing service: desirable
- Previous supervisory or management experience: desirable
- Experience working closely with local authorities, commissioners and benefit departments: desirable
Salary & Working Hours:
£45,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications, knowledge and experience. Full-time, permanent, 37.5 hours per week. Based in Crawley, West Sussex, with regular travel to supported living properties and external meetings. Occasional attendance outside standard hours may be required, including for emergencies relating to housing management.
Benefits:
- £45,000 per annum
- Senior role with genuine scope to shape and develop a housing service
- Direct reporting line to the Directors
- Meaningful work supporting tenant independence, choice and wellbeing
- Varied remit combining tenancy management, compliance, finance and partnership working
- Opportunity to build and lead a small housing team