Housing Officer

Housing officers work with other welfare support workers to ensure those in need have a roof overhead when they lay down to sleep at night. Housing officer jobs consist of a mix of more traditional housing officer duties and social worker obligations. That includes, but is not limited to, allocating units to tenants, assisting with application and rental paperwork and facilitating viewings while also aiding tenants through participation in various programs and community support services.

Housing officers are familiar with local and national support programs that can help those having trouble paying rent or otherwise adhering to leasing agreements. Social housing can be a fantastic resource for a range of people, including aged persons, those of lower socioeconomic background with financial difficulty, the homeless or recently homeless and those who have or continue to struggle with alcohol and drug addiction.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $75,400
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a housing officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 18 months
$100 - $15,631
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer Family Support Worker Support Worker
Community Corrections Officer Community Development Worker Senior Support Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Intake Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker Case Manager Community Care Worker
+ 10 more
CHC42021

Certificate IV in Community Services
Blended, On Campus, Online
6 - 12 months
$100 - $4,995
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Youth Worker Housing Officer Family Support Worker
Case Manager Community Corrections Officer Community Development Worker Senior Support Worker Welfare Worker Youth Justice Officer Outreach Worker Aboriginal Community Care Worker Community Support Worker Community Care Worker Intake Worker Mental Health Support Worker Peer Support Worker Residential Care Officer Residential Care Worker Support Worker Volunteer Coordinator Youth Case Worker
+ 18 more
CHC52015

Diploma of Community Services (Social Housing)
On Campus
24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer Aboriginal Community Care Worker
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer Aboriginal Community Care Worker
CHC42221

Certificate IV in Housing
Online
24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer
CHC42221

Certificate IV in Housing (Social Housing and Homelessness Support Work)
Traineeship
24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Housing Officer
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Social Worker

Social workers assist individuals and communities in overcoming challenges related to health, income, and social issues, offering resources and policy support.

Avg yearly income $88,400
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do Housing Officers earn?

In Australia, a full time housing officer generally earns $1,450 per week ($75,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Housing Officers?

A housing officer falls under the welfare support worker industry. As of May 2019, there were approximately 65,600 welfare support jobs across Australia. This area of work has seen great growth recently, with some reports showing upwards of 80,500 positions available by 2024. From 2018-2023 there is expected to be 30,000 job openings.

Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections and Australian Government Job Outlook

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How long does it take to become a Housing Officer?

While familiarity with residential tenancy is vital for holding a housing officer job, just as, if not more, important for many of those hiring is Community Services knowledge. Often you will need to have a more advanced qualification. One option that could potentially help prepare you is a Diploma of Community Services with a Case Management specialisation. These studies can take 12-24 months to complete depending on your study mode (online, on campus or blended) and whether you study full or part time. This diploma includes a work placement component. A Certificate IV of Community Services can also equip you with the skills and knowledge to pursue housing officer jobs. This pathway can take upwards of 12 months to complete and also includes work placement.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career in Aged Care

23rd March 2021

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