At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain clean and safe hostel accommodation for residents in need.
- Company: Join Hackney Council, a dynamic and diverse organisation committed to community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for skill development and flexible working.
- Other info: An Enhanced DBS Check is required; applications close on 31 August 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' lives while working in a vibrant borough.
- Qualifications: Previous cleaning or caretaking experience and good customer care skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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We’re looking for proactive, positive, team players who are willing to go the extra mile, to help us build better lives for our residents.
Hostel Caretaker (Benefits and Housing Needs)
We currently have a vacancy for a Hostel Caretaker in the Temporary Accommodation Service. We are looking for motivated, flexible and customer focused people who will play an important role in maintaining clean, tidy and safe hostel accommodation used to provide emergency and temporary accommodation in the Borough. Hackney manages a large number of Hostels in the Borough and the service is expanding. We are looking for people who take pride in their work and want to be part of a Service that is working towards being excellent.
Reporting directly to the Hostel Manager, you will perform a variety of tasks including ensuring that rooms are cleaned and ready to let as soon as possible, cleaning the communal areas and facilities, and ensuring compliance with health and safety responsibilities. Where appropriate, carrying out non-technical and minor repairs.
Ideally, you will have previous cleaning or caretaking experience, a good level of physical fitness and a good understanding of customer care. It is important that you are able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team and be able to travel between hostels.
A basic standard of literacy is required.
An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.
Our Service
The Benefits & Homeless Prevention Service is a very busy service, working with a wide range of residents who need our support to deal with the complex challenges they face. It is also a great place to work, develop and learn.
At Hackney we have taken an innovative approach to delivering the service by combining Benefits and Homeless Prevention functions. This gives us an opportunity to work together to help residents through their housing challenges using a holistic approach.
For more information please watch our from our Assistant Director.
Our borough
Hackney is London’s most diverse and dynamic borough.Reaching from the Square Mile to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this is an area of rapid economic growth, particularly in technology, media, fashion and other creative industries. Hackney has more green spaces than any other inner London borough; some of the capital’s finest schools; first class transport connections; excellent public services; and thriving arts, cultural and retail sectors. We seek people with ambition, creativity and commitment to ensure our economic growth provides benefits for everyone and creates opportunities to transform the lives of residents.
At Hackney, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is stimulating, fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high profile organisation. If you share our values and are ready to be part of our exciting journey please apply now!
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
We are passionate about equal opportunities and welcome a diversity of talent to apply.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
Closing date for applications: 31 August 2025 (22.59)
Interview and assessment date: W/c 15 September 2025
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
#J-18808-LjbffrHostel Caretaker in London employer: Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a stimulating and supportive work environment. As a Hostel Caretaker, you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of residents while benefiting from opportunities for personal growth and professional development within a diverse and dynamic borough. With a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, Hackney Council fosters a culture where every employee can thrive and contribute to meaningful change in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Caretaker in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Hackney.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Hackney!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Hackney, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Hackney or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Caretaker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hackney! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
