The purpose of the Tenant Support Worker role is to help tenants live more independently and become active members of their community while ensuring that the properties they use are safe, secure, and well-maintained. This involves supporting tenants to develop essential life skills, facilitating participation in community activities, and addressing any housing-related issues that arise. The role also requires carrying out routine property checks, reporting repairs, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Working closely with housing managers and support staff, the Tenant Support Worker ensures that services are delivered in line with organisational policies, health and safety standards, and confidentiality requirements, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all tenants.
1. Supporting Tenants:
Help tenants develop independent living skills, like budgeting, cooking, personal care, and managing a home.
Assist tenants in settling into new rooms and ensuring they feel comfortable.
Facilitate or support community activities to help tenants integrate socially.
Address any housing-related issues, such as disputes, tenancy concerns, or requests for help.
2. Property & Safety Tasks:
Conduct routine checks of rooms and buildings to ensure safety and security.
Report and follow up on repairs or maintenance needs.
Perform cleaning duties in rooms, offices, or communal areas as required.
Help maintain a safe and well-kept environment for tenants and staff.
3. Administration & Collaboration:
Keep accurate records of tenant interactions and activities, maintaining confidentiality.
Work with housing managers and support officers to resolve issues and plan improvements.
Follow policies, procedures, and health & safety guidelines in all your work.
4. Professional Development & Flexibility:
Attend team meetings, training, and supervision sessions.
Be willing to cover shifts or duties outside normal hours if needed.
In short, you’ll be supporting tenants to live independently, ensuring the property is safe and well-maintained, and working as part of a team to provide a welcoming and supportive environment.
Communication skills: Able to explain things clearly, listen actively, and write accurate notes.
Interpersonal skills: Empathy, patience, and the ability to build trust and rapport with tenants.
IT skills: Basic use of computers, email, and software like Microsoft Office.
Problem-solving: Able to address issues as they arise, from tenancy concerns to minor maintenance.
Teamwork and independence: Work well with colleagues and also manage tasks on your own.
Flexibility: Adapt to changing needs, cover shifts, and respond to unexpected situations.
Experience
Previous experience in a support, care, or housing role.
Experience managing challenging situations or behaviors.
Completing risk assessments and participating in support sessions.
Desirable: driving experience if the role involves travel.
Personal Qualities
Empathy and patience: Understanding and supporting tenants’ needs.
Reliability and responsibility: Following through on tasks, maintaining safety, and keeping accurate records.
Professionalism: Maintaining confidentiality, adhering to policies, and showing respect for all tenants.
Proactive and organised: Taking initiative to solve problems and keep the property and tenants supported.
Commitment to inclusion: Supporting equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
The Tenant Support Worker role is primarily based at the service’s residential properties, including tenants’ rooms, communal areas, and offices, but may also involve accompanying tenants into the community for activities or appointments. The role requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional cover for staff holidays or sickness, as well as attendance at team meetings, training, and supervision sessions during standard hours. Overall, you will need to be adaptable to meet the needs of both tenants and the service while carrying out your duties across different locations.
The Tenant Support Worker role offers comprehensive training and support to ensure you can perform your duties effectively. This includes a full induction, ongoing training in areas such as tenant support, housing management, health and safety, and risk assessment, as well as regular supervision, performance reviews, and team meetings. You will also receive guidance and support from your line manager to help manage challenges and develop professionally. Additionally, work-related expenses, including travel or approved training costs, are reimbursed in line with the organisation’s policies, ensuring you have the resources needed to succeed in the role.
Volunteering as a Tenant Support Worker offers many benefits, including the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, while gaining hands-on experience in housing and social care support. Volunteers can access training in areas like health and safety, risk assessment, and tenant support, and benefit from networking with professionals and colleagues in the sector. The role also provides personal fulfilment by helping tenants live independently and participate in their communities, flexible hours to fit around other commitments, and the potential to receive a positive reference for future employment or education.
Accessibility
The role may involve moving around buildings, checking rooms, and assisting tenants, so you should be physically able to perform light cleaning, lifting, or setting up rooms.
Some tenants may have mobility issues or disabilities, so you may need to adapt your approach to provide support safely and respectfully.
Workspaces (offices, communal areas) should comply with accessibility standards, but you may need to navigate stairs, shared spaces, or other challenges depending on the property.
Transport
You may need to travel between different properties or accompany tenants to community activities.
A driving license and access to a vehicle are desirable, though not always essential, depending on the service’s locations and transport options.
Public transport may be used if properties are in accessible areas, so reliable access to buses, trains, or other local transport is important.
Flexibility in working hours may require commuting outside standard office times.
In addition to supporting tenants and maintaining properties, the Tenant Support Worker role involves understanding and following safeguarding procedures to protect vulnerable individuals, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries. You will be responsible for carrying out risk assessments, following health and safety protocols, and reporting hazards to ensure a safe environment. The role requires flexibility, including occasional lone working and responding to unexpected situations such as urgent maintenance or tenant needs. Upholding the organisation’s values by promoting equality, anti-discriminatory practice, and creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment is also a key part of the role.
