This apprenticeship standard is in the process of being revised. In the meantime, the version below remains approved for delivery. Further details of this and other occupational standards in revision are available in the revisions status report.

Overview of the role

Primarily responsible for the administrative support in the creation and sustainment of successful tenancies and leaseholds in both social and private housing sectors.

Housing and property management assistant

Reference Number: ST0235

Details of standard

Typical job titles:

  • Resident involvement assistant
  • Housing assistant
  • Neighbourhood assistant
  • Customer services assistant
  • Housing administrator
  • Lettings assistant
  • Assistant property manager (without portfolio)
  • Lettings negotiator
  • Revenues assistant
  • Repairs assistant

Occupational

The housing and property management assistant occupation is an entry level role. It is customer facing and primarily responsible for the administrative work needed to support the creation and sustainment of successful tenancies and leaseholds in both social and private housing sectors.  This work must comply with contractual, statutory and legal regulations.

The  role  involves  working  under  supervision  within  the  wider  organisation, team,  communities  and  external partners.  The  work  is  varied  and  includes  undertaking  housing  duties relevant  to  the  team  and  organisation. Examples include preparing paperwork for service charges, supporting consultations and undertaking customer surveys, undertaking neighbourhood and property surveys using checklists, data administration, conducting supervised viewings and rental negotiations, handling telephone calls, filing and scanning, arranging meetings and events and researching new initiatives under the instruction of a supervisor.

Housing and property management assistants work closely with colleagues to explore solutions to problems and improvements to ways of working. They take responsibility for the quality, accuracy and planning of their own work.

The apprenticeship prepares an individual for a range of general housing and property management duties leading to entry level professional, management roles.

Housing and property assistant professional knowledge

Knowledge

What is required

Legislation and regulation

Know the principles and practices of relevant landlord and tenant law, applicable Codes of Practice and relevant legal frameworks or know where and/or who to ask if they are unsure.

Organisation background information

Have knowledge of the organisation’s business plan, organisation values, the range of services available to customers, clients, team targets, key performance indicators and understand how their role fits into the organisation.

Assets

Know the social and physical context of estates, neighbourhoods and how to report defects, common problems, health and safety issues and repairs to dwellings.

Customers

Know the diversity and needs of the communities in which the business serves.

Context

Know the current and historical context of the housing market, including social and affordable housing, private rented and owner occupation.

Range of services

Know the range of housing services. For example repairs and maintenance, allocations, lettings, tenancy sustainment, financial and social inclusion, energy efficiency and waste management, anti social behaviour, care and housing support services, rents and fees, service charges and portfolio accounts, and community involvement.

Quality Standards

Know the quality standards of the business. Examples include standards of the neighbourhood, property, building and customer service.

Organisation policies

Know the principles, policies and practices of the organisation in terms of customer care, complaints  handling,  employee  code  of  conduct,  team  working,  risk  assessments  personal safety, data protection, health and safety, equality and diversity, safeguarding and business communications.

Housing and property management assistant professionals skills

Knowledge

What is required

 Customer Service

Be able to apply a range of customer service skills in order to provide a professional, accurate, timely, ethical and non-judgemental front line service which meets the needs of a diverse range of customers and stakeholders.

Respond to vulnerability

Uses appropriate levels of skill and judgment to understand the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups (including those with complex needs) and respond accordingly.

Communication

Demonstrate effective and appropriate communication skills to enable timely identification and resolution of issues. Be able to signpost customers who need additional support to other colleagues, partner agencies.

Administration

Be able to apply a range of administrative skills in order to support a range of housing and property related services.

Information collection and sharing

Understand and be able to use a variety of methods to collect and present information such as resident, neighbourhood and property data in an effective manner. Information and data must be collected, recorded and presented accurately.

Team work

Work with internal colleagues and external partners to achieve individual, team and business targets. Work with colleagues to identify solutions to problems, appreciate the importance of team working and where they fit within the team.

Time management

Organise and plan work in a flexible manner to ensure tasks are prioritised and completed within agreed timescales.

Tools and equipment

Effective  use  of  IT  equipment  and  software,  including  housing  and  property  management software. The appropriate use of housing and property related work equipment.

Decision making

Effective decision making in order to ensure work tasks are completed in line with instruction and on time.

Housing and property management assistant behaviours

Behaviours

What is required

Responsive

Takes timely and responsive action to instructions given, building towards working independently.

Trust and integrity

Develops trust by working in a confidential, ethical and empathetic manner with a common sense and professional attitude.

Adaptability

Willingness to accept changing priorities and work patterns.

Dependability

Meets personal commitments and expectations of others.

Personal commitment

Takes  responsibility for  their own  personal  development,  safety  and  training. Act  as  an ambassador for the organisation.

Customer care

Demonstrates a responsive approach to customer and client needs, and has an awareness of the organisation’s impact on customers and their lives.

Team work

Be an effective team player, accepts responsibility for their work.

Duration        

Typically 12 – 18 months.

Level                  

Level 2

English and maths

Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of the apprenticeship and will also be required to take the tests for level 2.

Professional Body Alignment and Progression:

On completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to apply to the following for membership:

  • Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) at Standard level – the apprentice will need to produce their apprenticeship certificate.
  • Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) at Associate Level. The apprentice will need to be working in the sector at the time of application. They will need to produce their apprenticeship certificate, complete a declaration form, and meet the professional and academic requirements of ARLA.
  • Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM) at Affiliate Level. The apprentice will need to produce their apprenticeship certificate and evidence that their training programme has matched the L2 syllabus approved by the IRPM. If the training programme does not meet IRPM requirements the apprentice will be expected to sign up for an online training course.

Review

The standard will be reviewed after 3 years.

 


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Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 2
Reference: ST0235
Version: 1.3
Date updated: 17/05/2023
Approved for delivery: 26 November 2015
Route: Sales, marketing and procurement
Minimum duration to gateway : 12 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £3000
LARS Code: 64
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: Aspire Housing Ltd, Spectrum Housing Group Ltd, Your Housing Group, Rendall & Ritner Ltd, Coast & Country Housing Ltd, St Basil’s, B3 Living Ltd, Crosby Housing Association Ltd, Genesis Housing Association Ltd, Innisfree Housing Association, Yarlington Housing Group, The Guinness Partnership, Chartered Institute of Housing, Institute of Residential Property Management Ltd, Sovereign Housing, Barnet Housing, Family Mosaic, Community Housing Group, New Charter Group, Association of Registered Letting Agents, National Housing Federation, Affinity Sutton Group, Futures Housing Group

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.3 End-point assessment plan revised. 17/05/2023 Not set
1.2 Standard revised 09/05/2023 16/05/2023
1.1 End-point assessment plan revised 21/04/2023 08/05/2023
1.0 Approved for delivery 26/11/2015 20/04/2023

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