We are delighted to welcome new Housing Officer, Jordanne Woodward, to the team and she has got off to a flying start – which she says is all thanks to such supportive colleagues.
We caught up with Jordanne to find out a little more about her and to see what she has to say about her new role and the organisation she is now part of.
So, before we talk about your new job can you tell me a little about what you did previously?
Before coming to work for Warrington Housing Association (WHA) I had actually worked in housing before when I was employed as an Apprentice Rents and Payments Advisor by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, but when I moved to Warrington I left there and started working as a Retail Admin Assistant at Warrington Wolves Rugby. Once Covid hit though I was furloughed, so I decided to look for something back in housing as I missed working in this area and I was fortunate to get the job here.
As a Housing Officer what does a typical day look like?
It’s very much a frontline role dealing with tenants, and it needs you to be approachable and helpful. I am mainly responsible for rent collections, but there is much more to the role. One day I could be involved with benefit queries, other times I may need to liaise over a neighbourhood issue. It’s very varied and as the organisation is much smaller than the one I worked in previously it means I have more responsibilities and also more scope to do things my way and put my stamp on things. Obviously, making sure that I ask my colleagues when something is new to me. What they don’t know isn’t worth knowing!
What do you enjoy the most about the role?
I am really enjoying getting to know the tenants and their homes. I love meeting new people and understanding what makes their homes special to them. Every day brings a new set of people and questions. It’s also nice talking to the elderly tenants as often you may be the only person they’ve spoken to that day. You can really make a difference.
What are you looking forward to in your role?
I am really looking forward to growing in this role as the company faces new challenges and changes as the restrictions reduce. I am looking forward to developing my skills and knowledge of the housing sector and working hard to be a great Housing Officer.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a trained performer and love all things musical theatre. I attended The Arden Theatre School in Manchester full time and always wanted to go into musical theatre professionally, growing up. That hasn’t happened but I still get a kick out of performing and have taken part in several theatre productions in Oldham and Rochdale when I lived there. I haven’t done anything in Warrington yet, but I hope to in the future.