Overview
SHAL Housing: Providing safe, warm and affordable homes in our community.
Job Title: Housing Officer
Responsible to: Housing Manager
Location: Bridgwater, Somerset.
Job Purpose
As a Housing Officer, you’ll be responsible for a community of around 250 homes. You’ll work in a trauma-informed, person-centered way, using restorative approaches to build trust and offer support when needed—empowering people to make the right decisions for themselves.
You’ll manage your own workload, prioritising tasks in a fast-paced environment, while being part of a small, supportive team that works closely with maintenance colleagues to deliver end-to-end housing services.
You’ll lead on a specialism—health, mental health, disability, or domestic abuse—staying informed, building networks, and sharing knowledge across SHAL and with tenants. You’ll help people sustain their tenancies, access support, and play active roles in their communities.
From the moment someone applies for a SHAL home, you’ll be involved—guiding them through the lettings process, ensuring homes are let fairly and efficiently, and supporting smooth transitions. You’ll manage shortlists, complete pre-tenancy checks, and work with maintenance to minimise relet times.
You’ll collaborate with local partners and authorities to ensure tenants get the right support at the right time. You’ll communicate openly and honestly, listen actively, and respond with empathy and professionalism.
Your role includes promoting financial wellbeing—helping tenants maximise income, manage budgets, and access entitlements. You’ll provide short-term support with benefits, debt, and poverty, aiming to reduce arrears and prevent homelessness.
You’ll also support maintenance and health and safety efforts, ensuring homes are safe and compliant. When anti-social behaviour arises, you’ll respond quickly and restoratively, using appropriate tools and legal processes when necessary.
You’ll be confident using technology to deliver efficient, data-driven services. You’ll also offer peer support—whether around income maximisation, energy efficiency, or supporting people with disabilities or mental ill health.
You’ll champion SHAL’s values, working with tenants to improve services and strengthen communities. After training, you’ll be equipped to build meaningful relationships, resolve issues, and connect people with others who can make a positive difference. You’ll need to be confident using a tablet or laptop, have access to a vehicle, and hold a full driving license.
Job Requirements – Person Specification
This person specification outlines the essential and desirable criteria for the role of Housing Officer.
Qualifications
* GCSEs at grade A – C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent). (Desirable)
* Minimum 6 months’ experience of dealing with general public face to face, over the telephone or via email. (Essential)
* Experience of social housing. (Essential)
* Knowledge of services for people with mental health, disability, domestic abuse and wellbeing or know how to access them (Essential)
* Up to date knowledge and understanding of the Housing Act. (Desirable)
Aptitude, Skills and Abilities
* Ability to build rapport swiftly. Good listening skills. (Essential)
* Ability to manage time effectively. (Essential)
* Can confidently work on your own initiative. (Essential)
* Are curious and do not shy away from having difficult conversations. (Essential)
* See the best in people and have the capacity to coach others and be coached. (Essential)
* Have a track record of being self-motivated, flexible and able to manage a pressured workload. (Essential)
* Are a strong positive contributor even when the going gets tough. (Essential)
* Have a reputation for first-rate influencing, negotiating and relationship building skills. (Essential)
* Have a full driving license and access to a vehicle. (Essential)
* Are able to work in a Trauma Informed way. (Essential)
* Computer literate and can use Microsoft Office packages and Housing Management Software. (Desirable)
* Good understanding of GDPR and Confidentiality. (Desirable)
* Can work with others to find solutions to difficult problems. (Desirable)
* Confident enough to have courageous conversations, make decisions and take action when necessary. (Desirable)
Personal Attributes
* Have good self-control. (Essential)
* Tenacious and resilient – who does what it takes to achieve the right outcome. (Essential)
* Empathetic, discrete and sensitive. Compassionate. (Essential)
* Friendly and approachable. (Essential)
* Reliable. (Essential)
What you can expect from us
* 33 days annual leave (including public holidays)
* Trust based flexible working
* Hybrid working subject to agreed terms
* Car allowance & expenses
* Enhanced Critical Illness Cover
* To be part of a team of staff who are passionate about supporting the most vulnerable children and families in our community
* A commitment to trauma informed practice and a trauma informed workplace.
* SHAL is an equal opportunities employer. In carrying out your role you will not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic as prohibited by applicable law.
Application
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter stating how you feel your experience is suitable for this role and how you fulfil the role responsibilities and job requirements to natalie@wellingtonhr.co.uk
Wellington HR are SHAL’s HR Consultants, and are handling all communication relating to this vacancy. If you would like to receive a copy of the Recruitment Pack for this role then please contact Natalie to request this.
To arrange an initial discussion prior to application, please contact Natalie on the above email address or on 0330 4010013, and ask to speak to Natalie directly.
Closing Date 30 September 2025
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