At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals by providing safe temporary accommodation and conducting welfare checks.
- Company: Leicester City Council, dedicated to making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to helping those in need.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in people-focused roles and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
We are recruiting a full-time, permanent Accommodation Officer to provide safe emergency temporary accommodation to a vulnerable single homeless cohort within Leicester City Council’s Homelessness Strategy. The role is based at the Dawn Centre, part of a 19-person team delivering temporary accommodation to single homeless individuals and childless couples. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on a 12-hour shift pattern.
Salary: GBP 28,598 – GBP 31,022 per year. Package values: GBP 42,300 total benefit value (includes pension contribution and full holiday entitlement).
What You’ll Be Doing
- Undertake the interviewing, admission, and induction of individuals who use the service on arrival at the Dawn Centre.
- Oversee the maintenance, security and infrastructure of the Dawn Centre and undertake domestic duties when required.
- Conduct regular welfare checks to support the well-being of individuals.
- Deal with challenging incidents and resolve conflicts in sensitive situations while maintaining order in line with Dawn Centre protocols.
- Maintain up-to-date and accurate records using the Microsoft Office package and internal databases.
What You’ll Need
- Enjoy working with people and be motivated by making a positive difference in the community.
- Ability to build relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, often during periods of crisis or uncertainty, with empathy, professionalism and respect.
- Experience in housing, support work, social care, customer service, healthcare, security, hospitality or another people-focused environment, with the confidence to manage challenging situations and remain calm under pressure.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team; commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who accesses the service.
- As this role involves working with vulnerable adults, the successful applicant will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
What We Can Offer You
- A work environment that encourages a healthy work/life balance and generous annual leave.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the option of flexible working.
- Opportunities for training and development to grow skills and expertise.
- Flexible benefits, including discounts on city buses and trains.
We are committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce and strive to be fair throughout the recruitment process. If you would like to chat before applying, contact Lee Elliott at lee.elliott@leicester.gov.uk.
Accommodation Officer in Leicester employer: Leicester City Council
As an Accommodation Officer at the Dawn Centre, you will be part of a dedicated 19-person team committed to providing essential support to vulnerable individuals in Leicester. The company fosters a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being, offering generous annual leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role not only provides a rewarding career but also allows you to contribute positively to the lives of those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Officer in Leicester
✨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 Leicester City Council.
✨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 Leicester City Council!
✨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 Leicester City Council, 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 Leicester City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
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 Leicester City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Leicester City Council! 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 Leicester City Council
✨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.
