Job Description

Company Description

Upward Housing is a registered Community Interest Company. We provide supported housing for people with design features and services that enables people to maintain their independence and facilitate them living in their own homes, where they might otherwise have to stay dependent, or become dependent on more intensive models of care. We provide extra Support, Care and Supervision to people who have an assessed care and support need who may have, but not limited to a learning disability, physical disability or other complex care and support needs.

We're a small, passionate team committed to providing safe, supportive, and comfortable housing for vulnerable people. If you'd like to be part of an organisation that makes a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more: www.upwardhousing.org.uk

We are seeking a dedicated and organised Trainee Housing Officer to join our Housing Team on a permanent basis.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in housing. The role provides the foundations and training needed to progress towards a Housing Officer role in the future, for the right candidate.

This role provides central administrative and secretarial support to the Housing Manager and a small team consisting of Tenant Service Officers, Maintenance Operatives, and Cleaners. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting both the operational and compliance aspects of housing management.

Full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the first point of contact for tenants and external enquiries, answering calls, taking messages, and directing communication appropriately. Maintain accurate office records, filing systems, and databases (both digital and physical). Provide administrative support to the Housing Manager and wider Housing Team. Liaise with contractors and the maintenance team to arrange, monitor, and sign off works beyond standard landlord repair obligations. Assist in ensuring all housing management functions -- including health and safety checks, risk assessments, fire checks, and compliance checks -- are completed on time and properly recorded. Support the preparation and administration of tenancy agreements, guarantees, welcome packs, and related tenant documentation. Liaise with healthcare professionals and tenants to collect information, assist with welfare benefit applications, and monitor progress. Conduct health and safety and well-being audits with consideration for tenant vulnerabilities and disabilities, raising and following through on actions. Undertake additional housing and property-related administrative tasks to support the delivery of high-quality supported housing services.

Key Skills & Requirements

Strong organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records. Excellent attention to detail, particularly in compliance and tenancy documentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and confidence with IT systems. Effective time management skills, able to prioritise and meet deadlines. Clear and professional communication skills (both written and verbal). Professional, patient, and empathetic approach when working with vulnerable tenants. Ability to liaise effectively with contractors, healthcare professionals, and colleagues. Willingness to learn housing management processes and compliance requirements. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Ability to drive highly preferred.

Desirable:

Background in care or housing. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (due to travel requirements across Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull).

Benefits

Comprehensive and ongoing training, including housing law, tenancy management, hoarding awareness, Section 8 procedures, and other specialist areas relevant to supported housing with the opportunity to progress to Housing Tenant Officer.

A supportive and collaborative work environment with a friendly, approachable team. Company pension scheme On-site parking Blue Light Card eligibility Smart-casual dress code Mileage reimbursement (45p per mile)

Additional Information

Salary: 24-25k per annum plus mileage. Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Contract: Full-time, permanent. Location: Office-based in Walsall (WS3) with travel to local properties as required. This role is subject to a DBS check and references.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both:

A

CV

A

cover letter or personal statement

(maximum one page)
Your cover letter/personal statement should explain:

Why you are interested in working with

Upward Housing

. How your skills and experience make you a good fit for role. Any relevant experience in administration, housing, or care (formal or informal). How you demonstrate the values needed to work with vulnerable tenants (e.g., empathy, professionalism, reliability). Whether you hold a driving licence and have access to a vehicle (preferred, but not essential).

Important:

Your cover letter/personal statement must be written

in your own words

. Submissions generated using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) or copied from online templates will not be accepted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 24,420.00-25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Work Location: In person