“One of the best things I enjoy about my job is sharing happy memories with the the residents we support"

The Housing Plus services are designed to make living easier by offering support to help elderly or disabled people live independently at home.

And one key part of the service is the onsite Housing Plus officer at each scheme.

They offer day-to-day housing support to enable independent living, in a relaxed and safe atmosphere, taking care of building management and helping to promote a positive and vibrant social environment.

Two of those Housing Plus Officers are Jemima Whelan and Nicola Hutchinson, who have been speaking about their roles and why they love it so much.

What does your job entail?

Jemima (Housing Plus Officer at Addison Court): “As a housing officer in an extra care scheme, all residents here have a care need. There is a care team on site who provide 24/7 care and I am responsible for anything housing related while on site. My work duties could include answering any housing related queries via email, in person face to face or over the phone. I am responsible for reporting and arranging repairs, attending any meetings with the care team, my housing team or other health and social professionals that are planned that day. I am often required to carry out tenancy sign ups or tenancy terminations. If a resident has any concerns around their tenancy I could be looking at ways to support them myself, through my team or other teams to make things a little bit easier for them.”

Nicola (Housing Plus Officer at Tree Top Village): “The role of a Housing Plus officer is to provide excellent person-centred support to customers in order improve their quality of life and enable them to live independently.

Housing Plus schemes are for people aged 55 and over. My role involves checking in on customers and making sure they are managing their tenancies and homes okay. I often book in for repairs that are needed within people’s homes.  

I also work in partnership with care providers, Adult Social Care, health, family members and other key partners to support independent living, reduce social isolation, actively promote health and wellbeing, complete regular support plans and welfare checks and refer/signpost to other agencies where appropriate.”

What does a normal day look like for you?

Jemima: “As a Housing Plus officer no two days are the same, however I would normally start the day with logging in to say that I am on site and checking my emails for any housing related queries which may have come in. I would then normally speak with the care team on site regarding any housing concerns. I could be carrying out daily calls over the intercom with residents which is a good way of checking in with our residents’ wellbeing. I also carry out regular weekly or monthly building checks such as health and safety checks which includes water flushing, fire alarm testing or fire equipment checks, health and safety checks and reporting or chasing up any building repairs. On some days I may be required to carry out residents’ support plan reviews and update any other records. At times, I may have to arrange and carry out customer viewings which involves showing them around properties which are available for rent and other communal areas of the building.”

Nicola: “No two days are the same in the sheltered accommodation that I work in.

When I arrive at work, I clock into the system, this is to let the contact centre know that I am onsite. I then check our system to see if there have been any hospital admissions or any falls or injuries reported whilst I have been off site.

Depending on what I have planned that day, I will prepare for coffee mornings by getting all facilities out.  During our coffee mornings I will chat with the tenants of the building. Our tenants like to take part in a game of bingo which is normally on a Friday afternoon, after their fish and chips.

As well as the fun things the job also entails a lot of series matters. So, I may have to put safeguarding alerts in for people if I have concerns. I also mediate between neighbours if they are having minor disputes. If there any repairs needed in the building, I will put these through to the schedular. I occasionally help some of our older residents book GP/hospital appointments. I will also check on the welfare of residents if I haven’t seen them about for a few days.

Every week I also carry out the health and safety checks of the building. This consists of water flushing, fire alarm testing, making sure the bin shed is tidy and general checking of the building.”

What is the best thing about your job?

Jemima: “One of the best things I enjoy about my job is creating and sharing happy memories with the people I work with and the residents we support. I enjoy getting to know my residents by supporting them with anything housing related in a way which is person centred to them. I also enjoy being involved with the activities within the scheme, planning them but mostly joining in and seeing them enjoy themselves. One of our most recent events at Addison Court was our Christmas Fayre, where I had the opportunity to dress up as the Grinch and acted out a snowball fight with a visitor dressed as Santa! Residents and visitors have said they really enjoyed themselves, watching the entertainment and looking around the stalls.”

Nicola: “I love every aspect of my job. I have enjoyed meeting new people. It is very satisfying knowing that you have helped someone whether this be by helping report repairs or just maybe checking in on a resident.

I have really enjoyed helping the residents organise a Christmas fair, the money raised from this then meant that the residents could have a great Christmas party. The social aspect of this has been great for residents who normally wouldn’t go on nights out!”

What would you say to anyone considering the role?

Jemima: “If you are motivated by helping others, being challenged and being part of a fantastic and supportive team then you should 100% go for it!”

Nicola: “For anyone applying for a role as a Housing Plus Officer, I would say go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose. There is no job like this, every single day is different. I was unsure at first as my background is education, I am so pleased I made the decision to join YHN, so far, I have enjoyed everyday of work over the past six months.”

Nicola added: “I am looking forward to the future working in Housing Plus. I have lots of exciting plans for foreseeable and making good partnerships with our local schools, charities, and the local children’s playcentre.”

For more on YHN’s Housing Plus schemes visit https://www.yhn.org.uk/assistedliving