Independent Living Officer

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage allowance

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Additional 5 days annual leave after 5

Pension scheme with employer matched 8

Flexible smart working arrangements

Healthcare cashback plan

Virtual GP access

Subsidised gym membership

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Job summary

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing is seeking an Independent Living Officer to support customers in our Independent Living Schemes, helping them stay independent, safe and socially connected.

You will respond to alarm calls, support with assistive tech, undertake safety checks and manage lettings, income and tenancy activities. The role requires safeguarding knowledge and a full driving licence; a caring, proactive approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with vulnerable customers in housing or care settings.
• Solid safeguarding knowledge and risk management.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarm calls and coordinate appropriate support.
• Assist with assistive technology and maintain records.
• Conduct safety and compliance checks (alarm, fire, damp, mould).
• Report faults and liaise with contractors for timely fixes.
• Manage lettings: viewings, sign-ups and welcome new customers.
• Support income collection and arrears management.
• Perform intensive housing management assessments and tenancy activities.
• Identify and manage safeguarding risks and actions.
• Promote scheme security and customer safety.
• Develop social and wellbeing activities to promote independence.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
• Support and guide new team members when required.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Safeguarding

Time management

IT skills

Problem solving

First Aid

Driving licence

Job description

Hours: Full Time (36.25 hours, Monday to Friday)

Contract: Permanent

Are you passionate about helping older and vulnerable people maintain their independence, wellbeing and quality of life?

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is looking for a compassionate and proactive Independent Living Officer to join our Independence and Wellbeing Service. In this rewarding role, you'll work closely with customers living in our Independent Living Schemes, helping them to maintain their independence, wellbeing and security while delivering a high-quality housing management service.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference every day by supporting some of our most vulnerable customers, promoting social inclusion and helping people live fulfilling and independent lives.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Independent Living Officer, you will play a key role in supporting customers and managing our Independent Living Schemes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Responding to alarm calls and coordinating appropriate support and interventions.
• Supporting customers through the use of assistive technology and maintaining accurate records.
• Carrying out compliance checks, including alarm testing, fire safety checks, damp and mould inspections and other health and safety requirements.
• Reporting building faults and liaising with contractors to ensure timely resolution.
• Managing the full lettings process, including viewings, sign-ups and welcoming new customers.
• Supporting income collection and assisting with the management of rent arrears.
• Undertaking intensive housing management assessments, reviews and tenancy management activities.
• Identifying and managing risks, including safeguarding concerns, and implementing appropriate actions.
• Promoting scheme security and the safety of customers.
• Developing and facilitating social and wellbeing activities that encourage independence, confidence and community involvement.
• Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Providing support and guidance to new members of the team when required.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a customer-focused individual with a passion for supporting vulnerable people and delivering excellent services.

You'll have:

• Experience working directly with customers, particularly vulnerable individuals, in a housing or care environment.
• Relevant housing management experience and/or a knowledge of social housing delivery, particularly into sheltered or independent living schemes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and trust.
• Experience of identifying customer needs and providing practical support and guidance.
• The ability to manage challenging situations professionally and sensitively.
• Good knowledge of safeguarding principles and risk management.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A commitment to promoting independence, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Effective problem-solving, mediation and negotiation skills.
• A First Aid/CPR qualification, or a willingness to undertake training.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

Why Join RBH?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dedicated team committed to helping customers live independently and thrive within their communities. You'll work in a supportive environment where your compassion, skills and commitment can have a meaningful impact on people's lives every day.

What do we have to offer you?

In addition to a competitive salary of £30,826, you will benefit from:

• Mileage allowance to cover business miles
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave
• An additional 5 days leave after 5 years' service
• Pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 8%; death in service benefit
• Flexible smart working arrangements
• Healthcare cashback plan, virtual GP access and subsidised gym membership
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• And so much more!

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

RBH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements of the role.