At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our West Hub team to provide top-notch customer service and support in libraries.
- Company: Cardiff Council delivers over 700 services, committed to community welfare and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a willingness to learn and help others.
- Other info: This is a temporary role until January 2027, with weekend and evening shifts required.
Cardiff Council is a local government organisation, responsible for delivering over 700 different services to our citizens, visitors, and businesses across Cardiff. It is important to us that our workforce reflects the values of our organisation, to better serve our communities. Our Community hubs offer candidates an exceptional opportunity to join us in one of our thriving teams.
We take the welfare of our staff seriously and strive to always create a positive working environment ensuring that our amazing workforce feel respected and valued.
Here are some examples of how we try and achieve this:
- A generous annual leave entitlement.
- Adaptable working arrangements, which can include a flexi scheme allowing you to work a schedule that suits you and meets the needs of the service.
- Access to the Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering a reputable, secure and flexible pension plan.
- Guaranteed access to further Training & Development to give you the opportunity advance your career with us.
- Access to employee equality networks for support, guidance and socialising (these networks include the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Network, Carers Network, Disability Network, LGBT Network & the Women’s Network).
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Access to comprehensive employee wellbeing support.
- Access to the MyAdvantages Employee Benefits Platform (which includes access to the Council’s Cycle to Work Scheme and exclusive discounts at retailers such as Asda, Tesco & Ikea).
About the job
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed individual with excellent customer service skills to join our West Hub team.
Our team supports customers who make use of our Hubs & Libraries to resolve advice enquiries. We pride ourselves on providing a customer focused delivery of Hub & Library services and information provision.
This role requires the provision of professional, high quality advice on Housing Benefit, Council Tax, Welfare Benefit, Money Advice, Welfare Reform, Housing Enquiries, Homeless prevention and a wide range of general Council services, resolving enquiries at the first point of contact wherever possible.
The successful candidates will assist in the delivery of a full Library service, participate in the delivery of Hub/Library events and work collaboratively with various partner organisations to provide a holistic service.
Weekend and evening working will be required on a rota basis and location of work may vary.
What We Are Looking For From You
The desire to learn all aspects of Hub advice & Library services – full training will be given.
You will be required to support customers using Hubs & Libraries to resolve enquiries and to provide customer focused delivery of Hub & Library services and information provision.
You will assist with the provision of a high-quality service, including supporting events held within the Hubs & Libraries
To play an active part in the Hubs/Libraries ensuring that good communication is maintained within the team and to contribute to the work of the team as a whole.
You will be positive and have a flexible approach to tasks as duties will vary.
The ability to speak other languages, in particular Welsh, and Community Languages would be an advantage.
Additional information
This post is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.
This post is suitable for job share.
This post is temporary until 15th January 2027.
Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director, Assistant Director, Chief Officer or Senior nominated Officer, graded no lower than OM2, or in the case of schools based staff the Head teacher, or Governing Body.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Joseph Boyle Joseph.Boyle@cardiff.gov.uk
Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on ourwebsite :
Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-
Job Category Housing
Department Housing & Communities
Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Temporary
#J-18808-Ljbffr
HOUSING TRAINEE employer: Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council
Contact Detail:
Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HOUSING TRAINEE
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cardiff Council's values and services. Understanding their mission will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to serving the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous customer service experience you have, especially in a community-focused environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've resolved customer enquiries effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
If you speak Welsh or other community languages, make sure to mention this during your application process. It can set you apart from other candidates and shows your ability to connect with diverse communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for questions about teamwork and flexibility, as these are key aspects of the role. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively or adapted to changing circumstances in previous jobs.
We think you need these skills to ace HOUSING TRAINEE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Housing Trainee position. Make sure you highlight your customer service skills and willingness to learn in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Information: When filling out the supporting information section, directly address how your experiences align with the role's requirements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide high-quality customer service and work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise any relevant skills or experiences, such as language proficiency (especially Welsh or community languages), teamwork, and flexibility. These are particularly valued for this role and can set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application to ensure it is free from errors and clearly communicates your qualifications. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Housing Trainee. Familiarise yourself with the services provided by Cardiff Council, especially those related to housing benefits and community support.
✨Showcase Customer Service Skills
Since this role requires excellent customer service skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved customer enquiries or provided support. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
Express your eagerness to learn about Hub advice and Library services. Mention any relevant training or development opportunities you are interested in, as this shows your commitment to personal growth within the organisation.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration
The role involves working collaboratively with various partner organisations. Be ready to discuss how you have worked in teams before, your communication style, and how you contribute to a positive team environment.