Nick Lingard, house manager for St Matthew Housing, which provides supported accommodation for single people who are homeless or live in unsuitable houses.

House Manager for the Homeless

Answers supplied by Nick Lingard, house manager for St Matthew Housing. St Matthew Housing provides supported accommodation for single people who are either homeless or unsuitably housed. It does this in a way that enables residents to lead fulfilling lives in line with their own hopes and wishes. The organisation also provides resettlement support to enable residents to move successfully on to independent accommodation. In addition, SMH gives outreach support to external clients who are in danger of losing their tenancies and becoming homeless.

What does the job entail?
Live-in house managers are responsible for supporting residents, running the house, shopping and ensuring a cooked evening meal is provided. A committee of volunteers supports the house staff and residents and “roots” the house in the community. House managers are absolutely crucial to the success of a project and creating a family atmosphere. As well as ensuring the house is a friendly and comfortable place to be, house managers support residents in a range of ways, helping them rebuild their confidence and self-esteem and gain any life skills they need to move on.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
It’s a unique job, so who you are, good common sense and the life skills you have accumulated are more important than qualifications.

What type of person will fit in?
If you’re up for a challenge this is the job for you. You need to have a warm, compassionate nature and the ability to get on with people from all walks of life and listen without judgement. The work is never tedious or dull and it is completely different every day. You need to be flexible and ready to tackle any challenge. It would also help to have a good sense of humour.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
Living on site and working irregular hours can be difficult, but the job is interesting and varied enough to make up for this. The best thing about the job is when the system works for somebody and helps them get back on their feet. Helping people achieve their goals is very satisfying. When someone gets a new outlook on life after living on the streets it makes all the work worthwhile.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are many chances for progression. House managers can move up to become area managers and then regional managers. There is no reason why a house manager could not become a SORT worker (support, outreach, resettlement and tenancy sustainment) or even a chief executive.

What can I expect to earn?
The salaries vary according to the type of property you manage and the number of beds it provides. However, there are a number of fringe benefits that accompany the salary, such as free accommodation, free food and full payment of utility bills. Most salaries fall within £12,000 to £14,000.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
Local organisations advertise vacancies in the Evening News and Eastern Daily Press. Vacancies and volunteer opportunities at SMH are posted on the charity’s website www.stmatthewhousing.org. Alternatively you can contact Kate or Linda at the SMH office on (01603) 442010 for voluntary work information.