At a Glance
- Tasks: Support housing officers and coordinate community activities to help residents in need.
- Company: Community Action Isle of Wight, a charity focused on strengthening communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving the lives of local residents.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community support.
The predicted salary is between 21851 - 21851 £ per year.
Help us make a real difference to residents of Sandown. Community Action Isle of Wight is looking for a friendly, organised and motivated Operational Assistant to support our Housing Vulnerability and Household Support Officers as part of an exciting three-year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Working as part of a small and supportive team, you will help ensure our housing vulnerability and household support work runs smoothly and that residents, community organisations and partners receive a welcoming and responsive service. This is a varied role combining administration, project coordination, community engagement and practical support. You will be an important first point of contact for residents and will help our Officers spend more of their time providing direct support to people who need it.
About the role
- Providing a friendly and professional first point of contact for residents and partner organisations.
- Responding to routine enquiries, arranging appointments and helping people access the right project activities and support.
- Supporting community events, workshops and other activities, including registrations, resources and attendance records.
- Maintaining accurate project records, trackers, contact lists and monitoring information.
- Helping to keep project actions and deadlines on track and following up information when required.
- Supporting communications with colleagues and community and voluntary sector partners.
- Helping collect feedback, case studies and information about the difference the projects are making.
- Preparing documents and project materials and providing routine administrative support.
- Supporting partnership meetings, events, publicity and project communications.
About you
We are looking for someone who is friendly, approachable and highly organised, with good communication skills and a genuine commitment to providing an excellent service to residents and colleagues. You will be comfortable managing a range of administrative tasks, keeping accurate records and coordinating different activities and priorities. You will be confident communicating with residents, colleagues and partner organisations by telephone, email and face-to-face. You will understand the importance of confidentiality when working with personal or sensitive information and know when an enquiry needs to be passed to an appropriate Officer or manager. Experience of administration, project support, customer service, community work or a similar role would be particularly valuable. Most importantly, you will be reliable, organised, non-judgemental and attentive to detail, with the ability to use your initiative while understanding the boundaries of your role.
About Community Action Isle of Wight
Community Action Isle of Wight is an independent local charity dedicated to strengthening communities, reducing inequality and improving the lives of Island residents. This role forms part of a three-year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supporting residents experiencing housing vulnerability and households facing financial pressure.
Start date: October 2026 or to be agreed.
Operational Assistant in Newport employer: Community Action Isle of Wight
Community Action Isle of Wight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible impact in the Sandown community. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, we offer our Housing Vulnerability Support Officers the opportunity to engage directly with residents in need, fostering meaningful connections and providing essential support. Our commitment to compassion and collaboration ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions and prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community.
Contact Details:
Community Action Isle of Wight Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Assistant in Newport
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Community Action Isle of Wight!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Community Action Isle of Wight that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Assistant in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Community Action Isle of Wight. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Community Action Isle of Wight.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Community Action Isle of Wight!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Action Isle of Wight
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Community Action Isle of Wight resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Operational Assistant position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
