Why You Should Consider a Career in Social Housing?
Over 4 million households in England live in some form of social housing and housing is a major expenditure for local authorities. Working in social housing could mean working to manage local housing services, but it could also mean connecting homelessness charities to social housing departments, managing building facilities, or being involved in local housing policy decisions. If you are thinking about a career in social housing this blog will help you understand the different roles available and why you should consider this fulfilling career.
What Type of Roles Are Available?
Many organisations employ professionals to work in social housing in some capacity. Most work for local authorities and councils. However, non-profit housing associations, think tanks and central government agencies all have careers in social housing available.
Jobs in social housing are usually in three main categories.
The first is housing management. These roles, from housing assistants to neighbourhood officers, help to connect people with affordable housing options, access housing benefits and to manage tenants once they are in-situ.
The second category is asset management. These roles are involved in everything from building maintenance and construction, all the way to acquiring new land and property.
The final category of roles includes those responsible for finance, IT and making policy and strategy.
4 Benefits of Working in Social Housing
A career in social housing is a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals and the communities you serve. There are a range of benefits to working in social housing, including:
-
Making a Difference
If you’re passionate about housing inequality and social justice and want to work towards positive change through the creation of inclusive environments where everyone can thrive then a career in social housing could be for you.
By providing individuals with safe, affordable housing options, you’ll empower residents to build better lives and actively participate in the growth of your community. Working in social housing gives you a profound sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a difference at both an individual level and a societal level.
-
Variety
In social housing there are a diverse range of roles available from community engagement to project management, allowing you to explore and specialise based on your interests and strengths. But the dynamic nature of social housing also means that whatever your role no two days are alike, presenting a constant stream of challenges and opportunities.
This variety not only keeps the work interesting but also encourages continuous learning and skill development. Whether you’re interacting directly with community members or developing sustainable housing solutions, you’re guaranteed a career path full of different experiences, making it an engaging and fulfilling journey for those committed to making a positive impact.
-
Career Development
Working in social housing offers great chances to learn and grow in your career. The job is dynamic, allowing you to pick up a variety of skills like problem-solving, managing projects, and connecting with communities. You'll find opportunities to expand your network and make important connections within the field, possibly leading to mentorship or career advancements.
The nature of social housing means you're always learning about new ways to address societal needs. The job exposes you to innovative solutions and keeps you up to date with the latest practices. Social housing roles are also very versatile, letting you explore different paths within the sector. Whether you're interested in advocating for policies or working directly with people, social housing can be a starting point for various career possibilities. In simple terms, working in social housing isn't just a job – it's a journey where you can keep learning and developing your skills.
For more insights into career development explore our Career Toolkit.
-
Autonomy
Many social housing roles will require you to get out from behind your desk and engage with individuals outside your organisations. In doing so you’ll often have the freedom to work your way and make decisions on your own. While you’ll always have to work within your organisations policies, you’ll be able to come up with creative solutions to help the community.
This independence lets you connect directly with residents and focus on their needs. Being in control of your initiatives not only makes the job more satisfying but also lets you see the positive changes you're making. This level of autonomy will help you grow personally and professionally while making sure your efforts match the changing needs of the community.
-
Balance and Flexibility
The social housing sector is a great place for flexibility and work-life balance. In 2021, Stonewater became the first social landlord to move entirely to hybrid working offering its 700 employees the chance to work entirely from home or from one of several co-working spaces and many organisations offer job shares, flexible hours or home working.
This flexibility makes it easier to manage your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Something that is particularly helpful for roles involving community work, allowing you to handle your tasks while still taking care of your personal commitments. Striking this balance not only makes the job more enjoyable but also helps prevent burnout. The nature of social housing work, focused on community impact, usually supports a more flexible approach to work arrangements, ensuring you can contribute to your community while having a satisfying personal life.
At Vetro we offer expert advice and recruitment support in the social housing sector. Learn how to develop your career, grow your abilities, and find the perfect roles for you with the help and guidance of our industry-expert consultants.
If you'd like more information on how Vetro could help you find your next social housing role, get in touch or explore our hundreds of live vacancies across the UK.
