Scottish Housing Day 2023 – Housing as a Career of Choice
Blog by Diane Calderwood, Housing Officer
Housing Associations can be a great career choice for many reasons. They offer stability and security, as well as opportunities for growth and advancement. Additionally, working for a Housing Association allows you to positively impact the lives of others by providing safe and affordable housing options for those in need. It can also be a fulfilling career path for those who are passionate about social justice and community development.
I got into Housing by chance! After achieving a Diploma in Business Administration, I started working with the council at a summer placement in the Housing Insurance section. After 2 months, an opportunity came up for a position in the Housing Benefit office where I remained for 4 years. Due to decentralisation, I was given the opportunity to work in the rent team as a Housing Assistant. My employer then gave me the opportunity to do a Diploma in Housing through open learning and I did this whilst working at the same time. This took 2 years and was vital for going for any promotions that arose and to further develop my career.
My previous housing benefit role gave me the knowledge to help people on low incomes pay their rent by claiming the right benefits. I knew how to maximise tenant's income so they could pay their rent on time. As a result, the rent arrears in my patch plummeted. This contributed to securing a Rent Arrears Housing Officer post.
An opportunity then arose in the same office for a generic Housing Officer; dealing with my own patch of houses involving waiting list allocations, viewings, neighbour issues, and estate management. I was asked to cover roles all over North Ayrshire (Largs, Saltcoats, Irvine, Dalry and Irvine) which opened my eyes to different communities and the way they work.
When I moved to Glasgow I moved to a Housing Association and found the work to be very similar and diverse. Overall, the housing policies are similar as we are governed by law and good practice and it was great to get a different patch and meet new tenants.
A career in housing can be so rewarding and interesting as the role never stays the same. You can be doing paperwork and reports one day and out and about in the community the next. It is affected by law changes, good practice changes, political changes and overall the community in general. It is very varied and there is never a dull day!
Housing Associations also offer great ongoing training, qualifications and courses to keep staff skills updated.
If you like working with people, helping people, have an interest in finance and social issues then this could be the career for you.
Scottish Housing Day 2023 – Housing as a Career of Choice
Blog by Brian McGinlay, Welfare Rights Officer
It’s fair to say that I probably fell into Welfare Rights by accident. I loved school but had absolutely no interest in academia, preferring the hilarity and boyish pranks. I left school at seventeen and had no direction as to where to start my career. I moved about for a couple of years experiencing different workplaces with no focus. At the age of 20 I thought it was perhaps time to find a little direction and returned to education, enrolling in a Highers programme which I found enjoyable. My results exceeded my expectations and from there on I was University bound.
I had no idea what career path to take but always had a strong sense of social justice so undertook a law degree with the idea that I could perhaps gain a role in civil rights. University was a new experience, and at the time there were not many working class students on the law programme, which resulted in me completing two years before deciding that it was not for me.
I needed something to fill my time so I volunteered with the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). A paid position later became available as a Benefits Tribunal Representative and this sent me on the path of Welfare Rights. I then secured a position with the Tribunal Representation team at East Ayrshire Council. I loved this role but after three years I wanted to return to Glasgow and secured a post with the CAB as a Senior Worker. I enjoyed this role but over the years the job evolved to be less client focused, so I sought another change and contemplated another career path.
I had undertaken some sessional work with various Housing Associations but things had never felt quite right and I never felt that I wanted to extend my stay longer than was necessary. When the opportunity arose to take up the position with Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association I was a little hesitant but felt that the opportunity was worth exploration. I can honestly say that I am so glad that I made the move and joined WSHA; instantly I felt totally at home. I was so impressed by the welcoming community feel of the organisation; the staff cared and endeavoured to provide the best possible service. I quickly made good relations with staff - some of whom I now consider valued friends – and the fact that we are a community focused organisation with a people matter approach makes my role as Welfare Rights Officer not only fulfilling but also enjoyable.
In my younger years, I lived in many different parts of the UK and was always fiercely proud of my Glaswegian roots as I feel the city projects so much positivity with great emphasis on solid core values of acceptance, equality, understanding and kindness. At Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association, I feel we embrace this identity by adopting a person centered, people matter approach, which I believe can only be beneficial in our journey ahead.
