Independent Living Officers

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH); Rochdale; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage allowance

30 days annual leave

Bank holidays included

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Healthcare cashback

Virtual GP access

Gym membership

Job summary

RBH is seeking an Independent Living Officer to support customers in our Independent Living Schemes. You will help people maintain independence, wellbeing and security while delivering a high-quality housing management service.

Key duties include responding to alarms, assisting with assistive technology, compliance checks and managing lettings. A full driving licence is required and a caring, proactive approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with customers, including vulnerable individuals.
• Housing management or social housing delivery knowledge.
• Ability to manage safeguarding and risk appropriately.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to independence, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to alarm calls and coordinate appropriate support.
• Assist customers with assistive technology and maintain records.
• Perform compliance checks (alarm, fire, damp/mould) and safety.
• Report faults and liaise with contractors.
• Manage lettings process (viewings, sign-ups, welcome new customers).
• Support income collection and rent arrears.
• Conduct housing management assessments and tenancy reviews.
• Identify risks and safeguarding concerns, taking action.
• Promote scheme security and customer safety.
• Develop social and wellbeing activities to foster independence and community.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies.
• Provide guidance to new team members.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Risk management

Safeguarding

IT skills

First Aid/CPR

Job description

RBH1244086
Independent Living Officer
Rochdale
£30,826

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
• 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.