Housing Support Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Housing Support Manager to be based in our Blenheim office, supporting customers across Blenheim and Nelson. This permanent position involves working closely with customers and their whānau to foster lasting relationships, ensuring their housing and wellbeing needs are met and continuously supported over time.

The role includes managing a customer portfolio consisting primarily of low to medium needs tenants, including addressing some challenging behaviors with skillful and courageous communication. The Manager will visit tenants at their Kāinga Ora homes and participate in meetings with key stakeholders to ensure that tailored support and services remain effective. Regular regional travel between Blenheim, Nelson, and surrounding areas is a requirement.

Additionally, the Housing Support Manager will handle matters related to rent arrears and debt recovery, requiring comfort and proficiency in these processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with customers from diverse backgrounds.
• Effectively manage challenging situations and behavior through de-escalation and problem-solving techniques.
• Conduct tenant visits and attend stakeholder meetings to coordinate support services.
• Manage rent arrears and support debt recovery efforts.
• Travel regularly throughout the Marlborough and Nelson regions to meet customer needs.

Candidate Profile

• Natural ability to engage and build rapport with individuals from all walks of life.
• Experience or skills in managing highly emotional and complex conversations.
• Comfortable working with rent arrears and debt recovery procedures.
• Quick to adapt to and utilize new technological tools and systems.
• Prior experience in tenancy management, emergency housing, or social housing is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the Residential Tenancy Act 1986 is a plus.
• Strong passion for supporting customers facing challenging housing and wellbeing circumstances.
• Culturally aware and sensitive, especially in supporting Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Possession of a current, full, and clean New Zealand driver’s license; pool vehicle provided.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Comprehensive insurance benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Career development opportunities including on-the-job training, formal study, and secondments.

About Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities

Kāinga Ora plays a central role in New Zealand’s housing system, helping shape the way people live now and into the future. The organisation is committed to building a high-performing workplace delivering quality housing while putting tenants at the heart of its operations. Commitment to core values of Manaakitanga (People at the Heart), Mahi Tahi (Better Together), and Whanake (Be Bold) ensures an inclusive workplace with growth opportunities.

Additional Information

This position requires travel within the Marlborough and Nelson regions. Kāinga Ora prioritizes diversity and inclusion and welcomes applicants from varied backgrounds. All applications must be submitted via the official Kāinga Ora careers process.