At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate temporary accommodation services to support vulnerable residents.
- Company: Westminster City Council, dedicated to building a fairer city.
- Benefits: Flexible working patterns, commitment to diversity, and supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for care leavers and a focus on equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in housing or homelessness prevention with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
As Head of Service for Temporary Accommodation, you will make a powerful contribution to Westminster City Council’s vision of building a fairer city. You will oversee emergency and longer‑term temporary accommodation arrangements, ensuring placements are compliant, safe, suitable and delivered with dignity.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership over both emergency and longer‑term temporary accommodation services.
- Ensure placement compliance, safety and suitability while maintaining dignity for residents.
- Drive data‑led decision‑making to improve forecasting, value for money and sustainable response.
- Collaborate with Heads of Service, finance, supply teams and external providers in a political environment.
- Promote high performance, innovation and flexible delivery to prevent homelessness and improve housing outcomes.
- Engage with government agencies, community organisations and residents, responding to issues with empathy and clear reasoning.
Qualifications & Experience
- Senior strategic experience in local authority, government office or voluntary sector focused on housing need or homelessness prevention.
- Proven track record of delivering and improving temporary accommodation or related services.
- Experience managing diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams and leading complex change initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of local government, policy, legislation and advocacy relating to homelessness.
- Financial management experience, including budget and resources planning for sustainability and growth.
- Familiarity with performance metrics, analytics and data‑driven decision‑making.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Westminster City Council is committed to achieving diverse shortlists and will use the positive action provisions of the Equality Act 2010 to appoint a candidate from a global majority background where a choice exists. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds.
Care Leavers
Care leavers seeking their first job and who wish to be considered under our scheme will automatically be invited to interview if they meet the essential criteria for the role.
Benefits & Working Patterns
Our staff benefit from a range of flexible working patterns and Agile working arrangements.
Head of Service - Temporary Accommodation WCC624176 employer: CityWest Homes
Westminster City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a fairer city through innovative and compassionate service delivery. As the Head of Service for Temporary Accommodation, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working patterns and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on homelessness prevention while collaborating with passionate colleagues and community partners in a dynamic political environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Temporary Accommodation WCC624176
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or housing sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Westminster City Council's recent initiatives and challenges in temporary accommodation. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their vision of a fairer city.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your strategic leadership experience and how you've driven data-led decisions in past roles. We want to hear how you can bring that expertise to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Temporary Accommodation WCC624176
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in temporary accommodation and homelessness prevention. We want to see how your skills align with our vision of building a fairer city!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Service, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've led diverse teams and managed complex change initiatives in your previous roles. We love seeing real-life stories!
Be Data-Driven:Since we value data-led decision-making, include any relevant experience you have with performance metrics and analytics. Show us how you've used data to improve services or drive innovation in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CityWest Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of temporary accommodation services. Brush up on local government policies, legislation, and any recent changes in homelessness prevention strategies. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and managed complex change initiatives. Think about times when you’ve driven innovation or improved service delivery. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering high performance and collaboration in a political environment.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since the role involves data-led decision-making, come prepared with insights on how you’ve used analytics to improve services in the past. Share specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your ability to forecast needs and ensure value for money in temporary accommodation.
✨Empathy Matters
Engage with the interviewers by discussing how you’ve responded to community issues with empathy and clear reasoning. Highlight your experience working with government agencies and community organisations, and be ready to share stories that illustrate your commitment to dignity and respect for residents.
