Care is a registered provider of social housing, providing specialised supported housing to over 500 individuals with support needs. We are a small team based in Rossendale, Lancashire, with properties dispersed across the north of England.
We are looking for a proactive and well-organised Development Assistant to join our small Development team and help support the delivery of new supported housing developments. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys administration, coordination and communication, but who also wants to be involved in meaningful work that helps create new homes for people who need supported housing. If you think this could be you we would love to hear from you!
The role will support new developments from initial assessment through to handover to our Operations team. You will help keep information accurate, monitor progress, follow up actions and liaise with colleagues and external partners to help developments move forward smoothly.
This is a varied role that combines office-based administration and coordination with occasional property and site visits. You will be part of a supportive team, with induction, training and ongoing development provided.
We ask that you also share the completed diversity monitoring form HERE: https://careha.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Applicant-Diversity-Monitoring-Form.docx if you wish (this is optional and will be separated from your application for monitoring purposes only)
Job Description
Job Title: Development Assistant
Based: Head Office, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, with hybrid home working
Reports to: Head of Development
Purpose of the Job
To work as part of a small Development team, supporting the progress of new supported housing developments in partnership with external developers and other stakeholders, from initial assessment through to handover to Operations.
This role provides administrative, data and coordination support to contribute to the delivery of new supported housing.
The role supports the development process by ensuring information is accurately recorded, actions are followed up and progress is monitored so that developments move efficiently towards handover.
The role will play an important part in helping the organisation deliver its growth strategy by supporting the development of new homes for people requiring supported housing.
The role combines office-based administrative and coordination work with occasional property and site visits.
The role requires regular communication with, and the ability to build positive working relationships with, external partners.
Terms
· 35 hours per week
· Salary: £26,998 plus 6% employer pension contribution
· Travel expenses at 55p per mile, plus £3,000 annual essential car user allowance
· Induction, training and ongoing development support provided
· 25 days’ holiday per year (plus bank holidays and your birthday), increasing with length of service, with the option to purchase additional days
· Enhanced parental leave and pay
· The role includes flexible and agile working. However, to support learning alongside colleagues, the postholder will be expected to be office-based at least four days per week for the first six months. Greater flexibility can then be discussed.
Main Tasks
- Maintain accurate records and input data relating to new and ongoing developments.
- Update trackers and internal systems to support timely progress through the development process.
- Monitor the progress of new developments, identify overdue actions or outstanding information, and liaise with contractors, developers, support providers and colleagues to help move actions forward.
- Assist with new development referrals by gathering and preparing information for discussion at development review meetings.
- Organise, file and maintain development documentation within the appropriate electronic and shared filing systems.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with external partners, including local authorities, support providers and developers, through regular communication.
- Assist with the handover of new developments, including creating key registers, collecting and distributing instruction manuals, taking meter readings, and liaising with Housing Officers to help ensure a smooth handover to the Operations team.
- Coordinate site visits for relevant stakeholders and attend development site meetings.
- Take notes at development site meetings, record actions clearly, and circulate them to attendees.
- Contribute to the organisation’s digital presence by helping gather information and positive stories from colleagues and external partners for use in online content.
- Promote the values and positive reputation of the organisation through day-to-day work.
- Participate in performance reviews, training and development activities.
- Work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours working where required.
- Carry out any other duties reasonably required, consistent with the level and purpose of the post.
This job description is not exhaustive. In view of changing demands, legislation and regulations, duties may be reviewed and revised where reasonably necessary.
Person Specification
Personal Attributes
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders
- Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing demands
- Self-motivated, proactive and able to use initiative appropriately
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Commitment to excellent customer service
- Values-driven, with a commitment to the Association’s ethos
- Good organisational, record-keeping and administrative skills
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Able to take ownership of tasks and follow them through to completion
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Commitment to equal opportunities
- Interest in housing and development, and a desire to continue learning and developing skills
Knowledge and Skills
Essential / Desirable
Strong administrative and organisational skills - E
Ability to manage a varied workload, prioritise competing demands and complete tasks independently without regular prompting - E
Good written and verbal communication skills - E
Confident using Microsoft Office and electronic systems to manage records, documents and trackers - E
Ability to work independently after initial guidance, and collaboratively as part of a small team - E
Commitment to equal opportunities - E
High level of accuracy and attention to detail when maintaining records and documentation - E
Experience of supported housing or housing-related services -D
Experience, whether through work or personal experience, of supporting or understanding the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, and an awareness that housing may need to be adapted to meet individual needs - D
Successful candidates must be able to obtain an enhanced DBS check and hold a full, valid driving licence.
Application question(s):
- Please provide a supporting statement of approximately 150–300 words outlining your suitability for the role and why you would like to work for Care Housing Association.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement – Recruitment
At Care Housing Association, we believe that access to employment opportunities should be based on merit, equality, and fairness. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, and where diversity is valued as a strength.
Our mission is to provide individuals requiring support with a personalised choice of high-quality, sustainable supported homes while promoting independence. We recognise that achieving this requires a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and shares our values of inclusion, empathy, innovation, respect, fairness, and accountability.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Recruitment, selection, training, development, and promotion decisions are made based on merit, skills, experience, qualifications, and the requirements of the role.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible, transparent, and free from unlawful discrimination. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment or victimisation of any kind and actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
We recognise that individuals may require different forms of support during the recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered and provided where appropriate to ensure all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.
We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and individuals whose experiences and perspectives help us better understand and serve our diverse communities.
As part of our legal obligations, all successful applicants will be required to demonstrate their right to work in the UK before employment commences. These checks are carried out fairly and consistently for all candidates.
By joining Care Housing, you will become part of an organisation committed to inclusion, innovation, and empowering people to live fulfilling and independent lives within their communities.
Reasonable Adjustments - Recruitment
At Care Housing Association, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process and will consider all requests on an individual basis.
If you require any adjustments to enable you to participate fully in the application or interview process, please let us know. Any information you share with us regarding adjustment requirements will be treated sensitively and in accordance with our data protection obligations.
Requesting a reasonable adjustment will not negatively affect the consideration of your application. All applicants are assessed against the same role-related criteria, and any adjustments agreed will be intended to provide an equitable opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
We encourage candidates to discuss any adjustment requirements with us as early as possible so that we can work together to provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process.
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Work Location: In person
Pay: £26,998.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
Application question(s):
- Experience of working in a role which required managing a varied workload, prioritising competing demands and completing tasks independently
- Application question(s):
Please provide a supporting statement of approximately 150–300 words outlining how your experience makes you suitable for the role and why you would like to work for Care Housing Association.
Experience:
- Administrative: 1 year (required)
- supported housing or housing-related services: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
