It's a team that aims to support key workers by helping them get and keep jobs and find accommodation. It's led by – you guessed it – the key worker housing unit manager, and is usually a partnership between the employers of key workers, housing providers and the council.
The unit will develop an intermediate housing register, liaise with employers and providers on housing options, offer advice and assistance to key workers on housing issues and monitor the impact on recruitment and retention.
Do you need formal qualifications?
No. Experience and a background in housing are more important.
What skills are important, then?
"Good interpersonal and communication skills," says David Clayton, key worker housing unit manager at Shepherd's Bush Housing Association.
"Much of the job is about building partnerships between employers, local authorities and housing providers. A good knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding key workers is also important – as is a positive approach and enthusiasm."
The job is about building partnerships between employers, local authorities and housing providers
David Clayton, key worker unit manager, Shepherd’s Bush Housing Association
Stuck in the office or out and about?
"Both," says Clayton. "Sometimes I will be out meeting employers and housing providers and other local authorities to build up a more regional picture, but other days I can sit in the office."
Sounds like a nine-to-five number.
Au contraire, according to Clayton. "There's lots of burning the midnight oil. There's a lot of work and you have to prepare for long hours."
So is the pay any good?
Between £35,490 and £43,330.
What about the prospects?
"You learn a huge amount and will become immersed in the subject, meaning you can in theory go on to pretty much anything in housing," says Clayton.
Source
Housing Today
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