Trainee Housing Officer

CIH International Housing Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive culture

Career development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave 31 days + holidays

Employee assistance programme

Family friendly

Work life balance

Make a difference

Job summary

Croydon Council in Croydon is seeking a Trainee Housing Officer at Career Grade 8-9. Join us to learn the Housing Officer role through practical experience, training and support while you progress toward the substantive grade.

You'll work with tenants and residents, carry out home and estate visits, identify repairs, support tenancy sustainment and collaborate with partners to resolve problems, with developing responsibilities over time.

Qualifications

• good customer service and communication skills
• experience of supporting customers, residents, service users or the public - through paid, voluntary or other relevant experience
• the ability to listen, gather information, solve problems and make balanced decisions
• confidence dealing with sensitive or challenging situations
• good organisation and the ability to manage different priorities
• confidence using digital systems and keeping accurate records
• the ability to build positive relationships and work well with others
• an interest in Housing and a willingness to learn and develop

Responsibilities

• carry out home and estate visits
• respond to tenancy and anti-social behaviour issues
• identify repairs and safety concerns
• support residents to sustain their tenancies
• work with colleagues and partner organisations to resolve problems
• develop neighbourhood patch and build housing knowledge and confidence

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Experience supporting customers

Active listening

Problem solving

Organization

Digital literacy

Relationship building

Interest in Housing

Willingness to learn

Job description

Job Description

Salary range: Career Grade 8 £41,511 - £43,449 p.a. plus fantastic benefits and progressing towards Grade 9

Contract: Permanent

Hours of work: 36 hours per week

Location: Croydon

Trainee Housing Officer

Career Grade 8-9

Start your career in Housing - no previous Housing experience required.

We're looking for people with strong customer service, communication and problem-solving skills who want to build a career in Housing.

This is a career-grade opportunity. You'll normally join at the entry level, Grade 8, where you'll learn the Housing Officer role through practical experience, training and support. As you develop the knowledge, skills, competence and level of independence required for the substantive Housing Officer role, you'll have the opportunity to progress to Grade 9.

You'll work directly with Council tenants and residents, helping them manage their tenancies and resolving issues affecting their homes and neighbourhoods.

You'll carry out home and estate visits, respond to tenancy and anti-social behaviour issues, identify repairs and safety concerns, support residents to sustain their tenancies and work with colleagues and partner organisations to resolve problems.

At entry level, you'll start with a developing neighbourhood patch, with support and guidance available as you build your Housing knowledge, casework skills and confidence. As you develop, you'll take greater responsibility and work towards independently managing the full range of Housing Officer responsibilities.

What we're looking for at entry level

• good customer service and communication skills;
• experience of supporting customers, residents, service users or the public - through paid, voluntary or other relevant experience;
• the ability to listen, gather information, solve problems and make balanced decisions;
• confidence dealing with sensitive or challenging situations;
• good organisation and the ability to manage different priorities;
• confidence using digital systems and keeping accurate records;
• the ability to build positive relationships and work well with others; and
• an interest in Housing and a willingness to learn and develop.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to start a career in Housing without needing previous Housing experience. You'll learn on the job, build professional knowledge and experience and work towards becoming a substantive Housing Officer, while making a real difference to Croydon residents and neighbourhoods.

Our benefits include:

• Inclusive Culture - work in an organisation that values diversity and inclusion.
• Career Development - learning and development opportunities to support your career.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - with an employer contribution.
• Annual Leave - up to 31 days depending on eligibility, plus Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme - confidential support available 24/7.
• Family Friendly - a range of provisions to support employees and their families.
• Work Life Balance - flexible/agile working where compatible with service requirements.
• Make a Difference - help improve the lives of Croydon residents and the neighbourhoods they live in.

Application closing date: Friday 2 October 2026

Assessment/Interviews: Week Commencing 9 November 2026

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

About Us

Croydon Council's priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council's new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.