How do I become a housing officer
Get qualified to work as a housing officer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Housing Officer.
Common questions
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.
Courses.com.au Team
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
Courses.com.au Team
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.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What do social workers do?
11th December 2019
Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers
10th November 2023All housing officer courses
- CHC40708 Certificate IV in Community Services Work
- CHC41012 Certificate IV in Community Services Advocacy
- CHC41308 Certificate IV in Children's Contact Services Work
- CHC42015 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC42212 Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling Skills
- CHC42215 Certificate IV in Social Housing
- CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing
- CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing (Homelessness Support Work)
- CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing (Social Housing and Homelessness Support Work)
- CHC42221 Certificate IV in Housing (Social Housing)
- CHC42312 Certificate IV in Mediation
- CHC42412 Certificate IV in Relationship Education
- CHC42512 Certificate IV in Community Services (Information, advice and referral)
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
- CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Social Housing)
- CHC52121 Diploma of Community Development
- Restricted Property Management Registration (WA)
Housing Officer careers
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.
