Is anyone a housing officer?

[FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden]

I've seen a couple of roles as a tenancy support officer and wondering about a career change.

Just wondering what it's like in practice...

I worked as a tenancy support officer over 10 years ago in London. It was so varied and interesting because of the very diverse population. My role involved supporting vulnerable tenants primarily and supporting them with lots of additional issues. The support was mostly referrals to other services. Even then, with more resource than now, a huge frustration was the realisations that it was difficult to get them the support they needed. So many issues were entrenched, like dependency, alcoholism, mental health needs.

The support and ability to access specialist services for this now will be virtually non existent. It could become very frustrating.

If you get to leave a desk and go visit people in their homes that's a really good thing I found. Gives you variety in your day and it's interesting meeting different people, especially if you're in a role aimed at supporting and not enforcing something.

I knew a couple of them when I was a SW in London. Really varied, interesting work. You do need to be pretty bomb-proof to work in housing.

What do you do now?

Was never working in tenancies but was a support worker with the society of St James for many years getting people into specialist accommodation particularly those who are homeless and have addiction and mental health issues.

Amazing and rewarding job but in the end I had to leave because after COVID budget cuts came in and I felt i would put in a strong case for client funding only for management to knock it back due to lack of funds and felt gutted I couldn't give someone who was clearly very vulnerable that chance they desperately needed.

But like I said it's very rewarding and you can really make a difference.

Hmm not sure about bomb proof.

I teach adults with disabilities, adults with mental health problems and from the job Description can do the non judgemental/coming alongside people.

But I guess the reason I've not tried social work is that feeling of not being able to help and being able to switch off after work. So maybe it would be similar.

I'm not sure how much is out and about and how much is at home.

Its so hard thinking of changing career without actually knowing what you're jumping into!! My current role is tricky for other reasons (love the direct work) and my brain finds it hard to imagine a new job before doing it.

Hmmmm I think all 3 of you have summed up what I was thinking.

I'm really attracted to varied interesting work where I'm an agent for support (id say my current job is a bit like that)

But constantly letting people down and not being able to meet needs would be really hard.

Been a housing officer for years. It's hateful, stressful and depressing. Don't do it

Been a housing officer for years. It's vile. More now so than ever. Glorified fly tipping remover and bottom wiper. Don't do it