Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Housing Officer / Manager- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
Housing officers plan the long-term public housing provision in a particular area. They assess housing needs and housing conditions and make sure that the best use is made of existing resources such as housing stock and budgets.
Housing officers work closely with committees of councillors, architects and builders, social services, tenants' groups and private housing associations. Housing Officers deal with breaches of tenancy agreements and carry out regular inspections of properties. They also initiate legal proceedings when all other attempts to recover rents have failed.
They aim to create a mix of housing to suit the needs of the whole community, including the requirements of groups such as people with physical disabilities, and elderly and single people. Housing Officers support and encourage tenants groups.
Most housing officers work for local authorities or housing associations where they co-ordinate demolition, new building and the renovation of existing property. They organise the allocation of housing, the assessment of fair rents and the collection of rent from people who are behind with their payments. They supervise the work of junior staff. They also supervise the day to day maintenance and management of rented properties within their geographical areas.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties.
- Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties.
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.
- Direct collection of monthly assessments, rental fees, and deposits and payment of insurance premiums, mortgage, taxes, and incurred operating expenses.
- Meet with clients to negotiate management and service contracts, determine priorities, and discuss the financial and operational status of properties.
- Direct and coordinate the activities of staff and contract personnel and evaluate their performance.
- Prepare and administer contracts for provision of property services, such as cleaning, maintenance, and security services.
- Market vacant space to prospective tenants through leasing agents, advertising, or other methods.
- Act as liaisons between on-site managers or tenants and owners.
- Investigate complaints, disturbances, and violations and resolve problems, following management rules and regulations.
Further Information
- Housing manager/officer- from: GradIreland
- Housing Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Housing Policy Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Housing Officer / Manager
As a housing officer you will need good communication skills as you will work closely with other professionals and tenants. You also need to be able to lead and motivate junior staff. You should have good organisational skills and negotiation skills. You should also be able to solve problems.
Interests - Housing Officer / Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Housing Officer / Manager
People may enter this career from several different pathways. Some start as architects, community workers, advocates, and legal professionals. The fundamentals of the work are law/policy, housing, and community.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, legal administration, architectural technology, supervisory management, leadership.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, architectural technology and design, law, architectural technology, interior architecture, auctioneering, estate agency and valuation, applied social studies, community development, community work, social studies including advocacy.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Auctioneering, Property Services, Financial Services, Insurance, Advanced Quantity Surveyor.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, finance, architectural technology, property valuation and management, law, social policy, politics, legal studies.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: business, management, financial advice, housing design, research, housing studies, social policy social work, social justice, housing policies, neighbourhoods and homes.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Irish Housing Institute (associated body of the Irish Council for Social Housing), People involved in various areas of Housing Administration. The ICSH run a training programme in Housing Management. Successful candidates of the certificate will be eligible for professional recognition by the Housing Institute of Ireland, the body that promotes professional standards in the sector.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Housing Officer / Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €31k - €68k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Jobs.ie/ Charityrecruitment/ LGMA/ PAS
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Housing Officer / Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Housing Officer / Manager
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Irish Council for Social Housing
