Job Description

INsted - Managing Agent

Our objectives are to deliver services which benefit the community and in particular promote the provision of exempt supported housing and services to those who are at risk of homelessness and have limited resources and opportunity of access; predominantly to disadvantaged individuals with limited income or those that are homeless, living in temporary or unsuitable accommodation.

As part of Inclusion Group, we are well placed in terms of experience, capability and capacity to deliver much needed supported housing solutions for vulnerable and disadvantaged adults, in collaboration with local authority, community, funding and development partners.

Full time role - 35 hours per week Salary: circa. 27,500 annum This role is subject to a DBS check 25 days annual leave pro rata, rising by 1 day for each year served to the maximum of 30 plus Bank Holidays. 7% Employer matched, contributory pension Life Cover - Three times salary Location: Homebased with travel covering St Helens, Wirral and and the surrounding area (not restricted to / subject to change) Provisional interview date via Teams
Driving Licence and a car owner is ESSENTIAL for this post

Key relationships:

External: Business partners, local authority, commissioners, support providers and other housing providers in the region.

Internal: The Executive Team and wider staff team, residents and the community.

Job Purpose

You will manage a patch / portfolio of properties and deliver holistic housing services, by working alongside, and in partnership with support providers, health agencies and organisations who may be providing services within the building.

including:

Review of tenants at referral stage / regard for risk . compatibility and eligibility Tenant assessments Tenancy sign ups Housing benefit application Weekly scheme and tenant visits checking on arrears position, engaging with appointees and deputies as deemed appropriate Repairs reporting and escalations A regard for safeguarding Management of Anti-Social Behaviour Establishing and managing facilities contracts Ensuring empty properties are ready to let and work in partnership to reduce voids Deliver our HomeLife projects to improve tenant and scheme wide wellbeing Monitor tenant satisfaction and ensure effective and meaningful consultation on key business reviews. Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with the support providers, ensuring responsibilities are understood and that issues are addressed appropriately so that tenants can maintain their tenancies Meet regularly / as required with the support team to allow effective communication between housing and support services. Maintain records in the form of a scheme record sheet to enable sharing of relevant information between shifts Provide other verbal and written reports as required
Intensive Housing Management:

Visit tenants at least every week in their own home to ensure the provision of housing related support, deliver effective partnership working and relationship management along with an excellent level of customer care to all tenants, support teams, family members, visitors and stakeholders living in or visiting the schemes, to include:

Safety and security of the properties through regular scheme inspections Effective partnership working with support team, Local Authorities and Housing Benefit departments Ensuring adequate compliance, repair and safety the properties Arranging rent collections / to ensure tenants do not fall into arrears or financial distress Signposting to enable tenants to gain expert advise or access community services, such as local mental health and other disability networks and forums Ensure the accommodation and support remain suitable to meet needs and provide support for move on where required Liaise with relevant authorities such as fire, environmental and police services to ensure the service is running appropriately Liaise with other agencies and where required / by exception represent Inclusion at Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and other vital meetings Review incoming tenants and arrange tenancy documentation, having a regard for compatibility, safety and security of scheme / other tenants and other risks Ensuring Inclusions duty of care is maintained is respect of safeguarding and compliance
Rent and Service Charge Accounting

Provide rent and service charge account management with an emphasis upon supporting the tenant with benefit applications and advice Provide accurate advice and offer referrals to a reputable external advisor Liaise with benefit agencies on behalf of tenants Manage the scheme finances and budgets in accordance with financial policies and within targeted budgets Request and receive quotes from contractors for service contracts, such as garden maintenance, window cleaning and communal cleaning arrangements Contribute to the service charge and rent review each year
Repairs and Maintenance

Respond appropriately to all repair requests Assist in the planning and implementation of the planned maintenance programme with the property team Assist in developing Scheme Action Plans Monitor contractors performance in relation to such matters as responsiveness, quality of work and respect for the needs of the vulnerable client group Complete and maintain accurate records and documentation in relation to maintenance issues Assist in the annual review of service contracts
Health and Safety

Responsible for own Health and Safety and ensuring a safe working environment for colleagues Maintain all appropriate logs Complete annual risk assessment
Personnel and Staff Development

Recruit, select and supervise all facilities contractors for services provided to the communal areas Establish good working relationships with head office and other colleagues Attend and contributes to meetings / seminars as required Complete relevant training required for the position and on-going training as appropriate
Tenant Involvement

Actively encourage and support a Tenants' Association Support and develop tenant participation within the scheme Continually seek tenants feedback and engage with ongoing consultation Promote the use of the communal facilities and garden
Other Duties

Promote, respect and uphold the dignity of tenants at all times Any other duties required in line with the role and level of this post Facilitate new developments into management with property and business teams
Person specification - Managing Agent

Knowledge and experience

Experience and knowledge of an operations/customer service A track record in performance management and customer excellence An understanding of facilities/housing management. Experience of working in partnership Commercial acumen, able to translate plans into outcomes An understanding of supported living for vulnerable individuals An understanding of housing allowance/benefit Full Driving Licence and access to a car
Skills and abilities

Acts with integrity, is accountable and actively promotes and supports the vision and values of the organisation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an approachable and engaging style. A willingness to occasionally attend resident and other meetings outside normal office hours and away from normal place of work Commitment to providing a high quality service to colleagues, external clients, tenants and residents Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Diversity Commitment to social housing
Personal attributes and other requirements

A credible and resilient employee who is able to rely on their own judgement in making effective decisions. Able to give advice to others (customer and partners) and be accountable for that advice. Champions excellent services. Actively leads by example and is a strong role model and ambassador for the organisation. Highly numerate and IT literate. Able to champion the optimisation of the use of IT and other new technology. Willingness to work flexibly Able to operate independently with minimal supervision to a high standard
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,500.00 per year

Application question(s):

Do you have a current driving licence? Do you own a car or do you have regular access to a vehicle to carry out this role?
Work Location: On the road