The Role

The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, effective and committed Sheltered Housing Officer, who is passionate about the delivery of excellent public sector housing services, to join our dedicated professional Sheltered Housing team, helping to deliver a first class service to our Sheltered Housing residents developing strong communities and encouraging active residents in an exciting and welcoming environment.

You need to be experienced in working with older people or people with vulnerabilities and have the ability to assess needs for housing and support, and to undertake risk assessments and support planning. If you have experience in areas such as mental health, health and support services it will be an advantage, although we will support the right person to gain these skills. It is essential however, that you are someone who strives for success, who aligns with our values and who mirrors our desire to develop and deliver the best services possible for our customers.

You should have a positive, flexible and customer-focused working style and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be well organised with the ability to prioritise your workload and work effectively under pressure, including managing emergency situations should they arise. You will enjoy working in a mutually supportive and collaborative team environment but also have the ability to work well on your own initiative. There will be opportunities to further your career development.

• Ability to understand and work speech, fire and burglar alarm systems.
• Ability to communicate with tenants who have particular needs or problems including ability to negotiate contact agreements.
• Skills in dealing with tenants with confidence and discretion.
• Experience of using IT applications including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience of organising social activities for groups of people and knowledge of the benefits of exercise for older people and ability to lead classes.

The Supported Housing Services – has five strands which are: Sheltered Housing comprising of 26 sheltered schemes, in Battersea, Tooting, Putney & Roehampton. Community Development, the WATCH Lifeline Emergency Response service, which is self funded for younger and older vulnerable clients living in borough of Wandsworth, Telecare – provides a range of sensors and is funded by Adult Services and Tenancy Support Service for vulnerable clients who have difficult maintaining their tenancy.

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance.  These include 36 hour working week (Full Time), and a generous holiday allowance; 31 days plus Bank Holidays.  In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as Performance Related Pay, membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  24^th February 2020

Shortlisting Date: 28^th  February 2020

Interview Date: 12/13 March 2020

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils