Hays Social Housing Reports Increase In Demand For Housing Professionals
Released
on: July 22, 2009, 9:35 am
Author: Hays Plc.
Industry: Human
Resources
Hays, leading specialist recruiter, has stated that the
government's plans to secure a brighter future for school leavers amid
the rising tide of unemployment, has led to an increase in demand for
support workers.
"We are experiencing a steady demand for social housing jobs, particularly for support workers to undertake
varying assignments with the 16-25 age group and this requirement is expected to
increase as government grants for supported funding become available," said Matt
Lewis, Business Director at Hays Social Housing. Support workers typically assist
individuals in hostels and refuges with their lives and the transition back to work.
This means the skills employers are looking for include proven experience with
client groups and an ability to undertake support plans.
In line with the government initiative, Hays Social Housing has been partnering with
social housing providers to offer careers advice to tenants and youngsters that are
at risk of being made homeless. "We've been running a series of workshops with a
focus on how to create a winning CV and how to conduct yourself during an interview.
The sessions have had a positive impact, helping to break down some of the barriers
that are preventing individuals from fulfilling their true potential," explained
Lewis.
The recession, which has brought hardship to many families, has also fuelled an
increased demand for specialist help for those at risk of having, or who have had,
their homes repossessed. "The demand for housing advice officers has increased significantly over
the past few months. Salaries have remained stable given the increased competition
for skills to attract the best applicants, as pressure for these services continues
to increase," continued Lewis.
Due to the changing regulatory framework, one of the key trends has been the
increased focus of housing associations on their customer service provision, which
has led to a requirement for tenant and community engagement, neighbourhood
involvement and inclusion. In addition the Decent Homes Programme continues to fuel tenant liaison opportunities
with organisations such as contractors, building and utilities companies' officers.
Meanwhile, there is also a demand for housing policy roles that focus on strategy
and commercially-minded individuals who can drive efficiencies and generate new
business.
"Housing associations are looking for individuals with transferable skills to work
as leasehold officers, liaising with private landlords and carrying out risk
assessments," added Lewis.
Two of the key requirements for individuals in social housing jobs are a solid work
history and an ability to hit the ground running. While CIH qualifications are
important, particularly for senior roles, these are not usually a pre-requisite. The
demand for social housing professionals is likely to continue given the pressing
need to increase the supply of affordable housing, as highlighted by the
government's commitment to build new homes, which is a continuing sign that the
sector remains buoyant.
-ends-
Note to Editor:
About Hays Social Housing:
Hays Social Housing is part of Hays plc, specialising in a range of social housing
jobs including housing benefit jobs
and supported housing jobs.
It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in
Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating from 380 offices in 28
countries across 17 specialisms.
For further press information please contact:
Alexandra Tucker
Hays Plc
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7630 4282
www.hays.com
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