At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing temporary accommodation and support homeless applicants.
- Company: Join West Lothian Council's Housing Need Service, dedicated to preventing homelessness.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, with opportunities for career advancement and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while building a rewarding career in housing.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Fixed term role until July 2025, perfect for students or recent graduates.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
36-hour week, fixed term until 31st July 2025.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Housing Need Service in West Lothian Council as part of the new Temporary Accommodation Team. This is an entry level role and is the ideal post to gain a footing on the housing career ladder, learning within a service employing a range of skilled staff dealing with homeless prevention, provision of housing, and support. Many of our staff who begin their career at this level go on to advance into promoted posts as they gain skills and experience of the wider Housing Need service.
The assistant post is critical to the provision and management of temporary accommodation to those in housing need. Working to meet the goals of preventing homelessness, supporting those in greatest need, achieving good outcomes for our customers, and ultimately a permanent home.
The post holder will work as part of the Temporary Accommodation team who are responsible for delivering our accommodation services to homeless applicants seeking temporary accommodation and provide housing management services to those in temporary accommodation and emergency accommodation. You will handle bookings for B&B placements, property storage, and will work closely with our housing options team, suppliers and officers from all over the council and our partners.
Working as the Accommodation Assistant, you will assist our accommodation officers in providing housing management services to those in temporary accommodation. You will be asked to deliver a high-quality customer-focused service in line with housing/homeless legislation and will be expected to meet operational performance targets.
The post holder will often be the first point of contact within a busy team within the fast-moving Housing Need Service and will assist in maintaining our positive relationships with them and our accommodation providers.
Accommodation Assistant employer: Matchstick Dev
Contact Detail:
Matchstick Dev Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local housing policies and homelessness legislation in Scotland. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those working in temporary accommodation services. Attend local community events or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges and successes in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills by volunteering or taking part in community service related to housing or homelessness. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. These are crucial in a role that involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Accommodation Assistant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in customer service, housing, or social work. Even if your experience is not directly related, focus on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Show Your Commitment to Diversity: Since the company values a diverse workforce, mention any experiences or perspectives that contribute to this commitment. This could include volunteering, community involvement, or personal experiences that align with their inclusivity goals.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for helping those in housing need and your desire to grow within the housing sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Matchstick Dev
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Accommodation Assistant. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'temporary accommodation' and 'homeless prevention' as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves delivering a high-quality customer-focused service, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer service. Think of specific examples where you successfully resolved issues or helped someone in need.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
The position requires working closely with various teams and partners. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past roles, highlighting your ability to maintain positive relationships.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the goals of the Temporary Accommodation Team to show your genuine interest in the role.