Jobs in sheltered housing

Sheltered Housing is where residents wish to remain independent, but live in a social, supportive house.

As one of our great team of General Assistants, Housekeepers, House Managers or Cooks, you’ll draw on your dedication and compassion to ensure residents receive a great quality sheltered housing experience. We have opportunities for people at all levels in a variety of roles, whether you’re new to sheltered housing or experienced.

What will I do in sheltered housing?

First and foremost, your job will be to look after the house as if it were your own family home. This will involve anything from keeping communal areas clean, testing alarms, to supporting residents in their own self-contained living accommodation with daily activities such as cleaning and laundry. Many of our Housekeepers also work as the cook of the house, so if you have the skills and passion to create delicious home cooked meals for around a dozen people, then this could be the ideal job for you.

Working in a sheltered house allows you to make a real difference to our residents. You'll be there for that first greeting in the morning, welcoming chat over lunch and even a cup of tea with a biscuit in the afternoon, so you'll get to spend time getting to know each of the residents really well.

Our staff work hard to ensure residents feel safe and secure, working as part of a team to deliver high quality sheltered housing.

A day in the life of a Housekeeper

Watch our video to see what it is like to work as a Housekeeper at Abbeyfield.

Josephs Story

Joseph came to Abbeyfield as a Volunteer, organising events and making refreshment for residents. As time went on, he realised that working at Abbeyfield was something he really enjoyed and wanted to pursue so he started working as a Housekeeper. Over time he has gained more confidence and has been able to open up and spend quality time with our residents which they really enjoy. 

What our video to learn more about Joseph. 

What qualifications will I need to work in sheltered housing?

You'll ideally have a background in residential support, client care or a similar environment, and a L3 qualification in Housing/Property Management, or be willing to work towards this during the initial stages of your career. 

We also look for people who are warm, caring and sociable, who can converse easily with other and help put them at ease. If you have a passion for caring and want to have a positive impact on older people's lives then working in one of our housing teams could be the right role for you.

Some of our best Housekeepers and Cooks initially started at Abbeyfield as General Assistants to gain some experience and build their confidence, so if you're first starting out on looking at roles in sheltered housing then searching for roles as a General Assistant in our homes can be a great first step.

How do I progress?

We value contribution and commitment, and seek to reward individuals who gain experience. As such, we offer career progression within some roles. Most individuals with less than 12 month’s experience as a Housekeeper or Cook join us at the Foundation level. Providing you gain the knowledge and skills necessary you will progress to Practitioner level within 12 months (sometimes quicker). And in return for this promotion within role you will receive an increase in your hourly rate. The very best highly experienced Housekeepers and Cooks can expect to progress to the Expert level, where your pay will be enhanced further, in return for mentoring other staff and deputising for more senior colleagues.

What other job opportunities are available in sheltered housing?

Our best colleagues who show team leadership skills, can progress to a more Senior House Manager role. Here you will have responsibility for supervising General Assistants, Housekeepers and Cooks across several Housing services in a defined local area. And our very best Senior House Managers can aspire to an Area Manager role.

Joy's story

Joy is a Housekeeper/Cook and has been working at Abbeyfield for 10 years. She really enjoys her job and feels that she has progressed in her role from a carer to a housekeeper/cook. She hadn't had much experience with cooking other than in her homelife but through Abbeyfield she has been able to learn more and factor this into her career. She now feels she has been able to fulfil her dreams. Watch our video to find out more.