Jenn Bravo is one of the Service Managers at Leeds Housing Concern.  She is a qualified social worker and is currently in the final stages of doing an Msc in Community Psychology. When not working, Jenn likes nothing better than escaping to the gym!

Name: Jenn Bravo
Title: Service Manager

Organisation: Leeds Housing Concern

Client Group: Single Homeless with Support Needs

Job Description:  I have responsibility for the overall management of services, including the Sahara Black Women's Refuge, Carr Beck hostel and Sustain.

Length of time in the post?  I've been with Leeds Housing for 9 years.

Previous employment / experience? 
I have always worked in the supported housing sector.  In the past, I have worked in various hostels and I've also worked with women with mental health issues.

What qualifications or skills do you have? 
I have a BA Hons in Social Sciences and diploma in Social Work.   I did the degree before I started work, and I took time out from my job to study for the diploma.  I am also just coming towards the end of my Msc in Community Psychology.

With regards to skills, I have so many!  My strongest are probably my people skills, my staff development and planning skills and my communication skills.

Which of these, if any, do you feel is more important in your current role?
Interesting question!  Probably a bit of both.  Personally, I think that the skills are generally more important, but I find when dealing with other professionals, the fact that I am a qualified social worker is important, and I feel that they respect my opinions more because of it.

Are you planning to do any more training in the near future, and if so, what type of course would you like to do? 
No more training for me!   Once I have completed my Msc it’s rest and relaxation for a long time.

What have been the biggest changes in your organisation in the last year?
Probably getting accustomed to the reality of Supporting People and all that involves.

Where do you see 'supported housing' in the future? 
I don't actually have a set view on this, so long as the voluntary sector retains its creativity and flexibility, I think it will be fine.  I do believe that Supporting People will restrict this slightly, but if it works well, I can see how it will provide the sector with a far more 'joined-up' approach.

What inspires you the most about the supported housing sector? 
Definitely the creativity and dynamism.

What frustrates you the most about the supported housing sector?  
There really isn't anything that I can think of which does actually frustrate me about it.

Top tip for other supported housing workers? 
The best tip would be to continually strive for self-improvement and development, and to ensure that you continually evaluate your own work practices.

For more information on Leeds Housing Concern, please visit www.leedshc.org.uk