Case studies: Senior housing officer: Kerrie Chennell

Kerrie is a senior housing officer at Northampton Borough Council and has been in the role since February 2009. She entered the housing sector via a tenancy support officer role after graduating in 2001 with 2:1 LLB Law degree.

When I graduated I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to pursue so I decided to go travelling instead. Once I returned I registered with an employment agency and was sent to work in the 'right to buy' department at Northampton Borough Council. I enjoyed many of the benefits of working for the council, which led me to apply for the permanent role of tenancy support officer.

The role involved a lot of administration but it was varied and gave me the opportunity to work shadow the housing officers I supported. After a brief time living outside of Northampton I returned and was successfully appointed to the role of housing officer at the council. I remained in the role for three years gaining valuable work experience before applying for and being appointed to the position of senior housing officer.

My tips for anyone interested in becoming a senior housing officer is that you need to already be working within housing, as often the jobs are only advertised internally. I did not have any previous experience in a manager's role but having worked in housing was enough to demonstrate that I had the necessary skills. When I was interviewed for this job role I was able to discuss some of the issues I had experienced as a housing officer and how as a senior housing officer I could implement new ideas and methods to help solve these issues.

I feel that my law degree provided me with the skills and knowledge to know how and where to access legislation. It also equipped me with the ability to read and interpret legislation, which is now part of my role. A large part of my work involves producing written material (such as reports and personal development plans) and my degree has provided me with experience of doing such things. 

One of the main duties of my role is to manage a team of nine staff. My team is made up of housing officers, rent income officers and housing assistants for a specific geographical area. Part of my management responsibilities involve performance management and carrying out monthly 1-2-1s with my team. This is something I have not done before so I am developing new skills and confidence within this area. This role is a lot more office based, which has taken some getting used to and I have missed the amount of tenant contact that the housing officer role entails. However, I still deal with customers when resolving complaints, attending resident association meetings and when I am training new staff out in the field. 

I have only been in this role for six months and I am enjoying the variety and daily challenges that it presents. At present I see myself in this job role for the next couple of years so that I can gain further experience and confidence in managing people.