Ahead of National Careers Week 2024, we spoke to our neighbourhood manager, Mike, to find out more about his role at Selwood Housing and his career journey.
How long have you been at Selwood Housing?
I've been here four and a half years.
What does your role as a neighbourhood manager involve?
I work in the Warminster area and deal with all aspects of housing and tenancy management. My area covers approximately 1,000 homes and includes dealing with a range of partners and stakeholders within the community. My focus is on being visible and available to our customers in Warminster and to respond promptly to their queries and housing-related issues.
What does a typical day at work look like?
Every day is very different as a neighbourhood manager. I usually work from Medlicotte House (one of our sheltered housing schemes) to ensure that I’m near the neighbourhood and communities I cover. We start the day with a neighbourhood team huddle over Microsoft Teams. This is where we pick up any overnight incident reports and review priorities for the day ahead.
Typically, I spend the day visiting customers to investigate reports of antisocial behaviour, complete property inspections and respond to safeguarding/welfare concerns. This could include joint visits with adult social care, the police or the local community mental health team.
I regularly attend meetings with colleagues from various other teams, as well as project meetings. I also cover some of the weekly housing advice sessions that we run for our customers. Other daily tasks include things like updating our housing management system with case notes.
Normal daily activities may need to be moved around if ever an emergency comes up where customers need our support urgently. The safety and welfare of our customers is always our priority.
What was your first job and how did you get to where you are now?
Within the housing sector, I first worked as a Young Homeless Officer for Bath and North East Somerset Council. I then worked for several organisations before securing my current role at Selwood Housing.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety of the role with a range of responsibilities and challenges. Meeting customers and building positive relationships. Trying to help customers and achieving positive outcomes, whilst making a difference in our communities.
What do you enjoy most about working at Selwood Housing?
Within the organisation, you’re given the support to develop and flourish. I feel well-supported in my role and I enjoy coming to work.
What would you say to anyone thinking about a career in housing or neighbourhood management?
It’s a valued occupation supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society. Whilst it can be challenging, it's also hugely rewarding and there are ongoing opportunities for professional development. If you enjoy a different challenge every day and the opportunity to help people, then this role could be for you!
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for a job at Selwood Housing?
You would be joining an organisation that supports and cares for its staff.
What are your career aspirations for the future?
Having only recently started covering the Warminster neighbourhood, I’m motivated to further develop in my current role. Establishing relationships with customers, partners and stakeholders in Warminster has been beneficial in developing further.
I enjoyed being involved in the recent Priority Neighbourhoods project in Warminster and particularly the Community Garden ‘makeover’ at Bradley Road. Over the next 12 months, I’m looking forward to continuing to support our customers in Warminster.
To find out more about different career opportunities at Selwood Housing and to view current vacancies, head to our careers webpages.
