Job Purpose
Dawson Housing Limited is seeking four Community Outreach Officers to work directly with residents, local communities and partner organisations.
The role will involve visiting Dawson Housing properties, completing property and communal-area inspections, engaging with residents, identifying concerns and ensuring that appropriate action is taken.
Community Outreach Officers will act as visible and approachable representatives of Dawson Housing, helping residents access support, encouraging positive community engagement and ensuring that properties are safe and well maintained.
Key Responsibilities
Property Visits and Inspections
- Visit allocated Dawson Housing properties in accordance with an agreed schedule.
- Carry out property, estate and communal-area inspections.
- Complete inspection forms and provide supporting photographs or evidence where required.
- Identify and report repairs, maintenance issues, health and safety concerns and environmental problems.
- Check that communal areas are safe, clean and appropriately maintained.
- Identify concerns relating to waste, fly-tipping, lighting, access, security or property condition.
- Report urgent matters promptly to the appropriate team.
- Follow up reported issues to confirm that action has been taken and residents have been updated.
Resident Engagement
- Build positive and professional relationships with Dawson Housing residents.
- Act as a friendly, visible and approachable point of contact.
- Listen to residents’ concerns and ensure that issues are recorded and referred to the relevant team.
- Provide residents with information about Dawson Housing services, reporting procedures and available support.
- Encourage residents to participate in consultations, resident meetings, community events and engagement activities.
- Support residents to communicate their views and experiences.
- Promote positive behaviour, community responsibility and respectful relationships.
- Manage expectations by explaining what action Dawson Housing can take and the expected timescales.
Community Outreach
- Develop a visible Dawson Housing presence within local communities.
- Engage with residents who may not ordinarily participate in formal meetings or consultations.
- Support community events, resident days, information sessions and local initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve community involvement and resident satisfaction.
- Help connect residents with appropriate local services, support organisations and community resources.
- Promote Dawson Housing initiatives, campaigns and service improvements.
- Gather resident feedback and report common themes to management.
Resident Support and Safeguarding
- Identify residents who may require additional support or assistance.
- Recognise and report safeguarding, welfare and vulnerability concerns.
- Follow Dawson Housing safeguarding and escalation procedures.
- Signpost residents to internal teams, local authorities, support agencies and voluntary organisations.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Treat residents with dignity, sensitivity and respect.
Antisocial Behaviour and Tenancy Concerns
- Listen to and record reports of antisocial behaviour, nuisance or tenancy-related concerns.
- Gather initial information from residents and witnesses where appropriate.
- Refer ASB cases and serious tenancy concerns to the responsible Dawson Housing team.
- Provide residents with information about reporting incidents and preserving evidence.
- Liaise with Community Patrol Officers where concerns require an overnight patrol or visible nighttime presence.
- Report immediate risks or criminal activity to the police or emergency services in accordance with procedures.
- Follow up with residents where required to ensure that concerns have been acknowledged and appropriately progressed.
Partnership Working
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with:
- Birmingham City Council.
- West Midlands Police.
- Local community groups.
- Support providers and voluntary organisations.
- Health, social care and safeguarding agencies.
- Managing agents and other housing partners.
The postholder will also:
- Attend partnership, community and resident meetings where required.
- Share appropriate information in accordance with Dawson Housing policies and data protection requirements.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments to resolve resident and property concerns.
- Represent Dawson Housing professionally at all times.
Reporting and Administration
- Complete inspection forms, visit records, contact notes, reports and other paperwork accurately and on time.
- Maintain clear and up-to-date records of resident contact and actions taken.
- Use Dawson Housing systems to record property visits, inspections, concerns, referrals and follow-up actions.
- Provide evidence, photographs or written statements where required.
- Monitor outstanding actions and escalate delays or unresolved matters.
- Ensure all confidential and personal information is handled securely and in accordance with UK GDPR and Dawson Housing policies.
General Duties
- Attend team meetings, supervision sessions and training.
- Participate in resident events and community initiatives.
- Follow Dawson Housing policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
- Operate company vehicles safely and responsibly.
- Work flexibly to meet the needs of residents and the organisation.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with members of the public in a front-facing role.
- Ability to build positive relationships with residents, communities and partner organisations.
- A friendly, professional and approachable manner.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and manage an allocated workload.
- Ability to complete reports, forms and other paperwork accurately.
- Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office, email and electronic record-keeping systems.
- Ability to identify concerns and escalate them appropriately.
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working in housing, property management, community engagement, support work or a similar role.
- Experience carrying out property inspections, estate monitoring or resident visits.
- Understanding of social housing and tenancy-related issues.
- Knowledge of safeguarding adults and children.
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements.
- Experience working with local authorities, police, support agencies or community organisations.
- Experience supporting resident events or community initiatives.
- Current SIA licence in Door Supervision, Security Guarding or an equivalent category.
Why Work for Dawson Housing?
- Make a meaningful difference within local communities.
- Help residents feel heard, supported and connected.
- Work for a growing Registered Social Landlord committed to high standards.
- Access opportunities for training and career development.
- Join a supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Company vehicle provided for authorised business use.
- Company pension.
Additional Information
This position is subject to satisfactory references, Right to Work checks and an Enhanced DBS check.
Dawson Housing Limited is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Pay: £26,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company events
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
