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

Pension scheme

Flexible smart working

Healthcare cashback

Employee Assistance Programme

Volunteer days

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing seeks an Independent Living Officer to support customers in independent living schemes. You will respond to alarms, coordinate interventions, assist with tech, and conduct safety checks to safeguard residents.

Join a dedicated team focused on promoting independence, inclusion, and wellbeing while working with partners to achieve positive outcomes for customers.

Qualifications

• Experience with customers, especially vulnerable individuals in housing/care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT skills and good record-keeping.
• Ability to manage a varied workload and stay organised.
• Capability in safeguarding and risk management.
• Experience handling rent arrears and tenancy matters.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Willingness to undertake First Aid/CPR training.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarm calls and coordinate appropriate support.
• Support residents with assistive tech and maintain records.
• Perform safety and compliance checks (fire, damp, etc.).
• Report faults and liaise with contractors.
• Manage lettings process including viewings and sign-ups.
• Assist with rent arrears and income collection.
• Conduct housing management assessments and reviews.
• Identify safeguarding issues and take action.
• Promote scheme security and resident wellbeing.
• Develop social and wellbeing activities to boost independence.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Mentor new team members when needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Organisation

Problem solving

Mediation

Negotiation

First Aid/CPR

Full driving licence

Job description

Rochdale

£30,826

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

Contract: Permanent

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?

• 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
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
• Paid volunteering days
• 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