At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist Housing Officers with property management and support homelessness initiatives.
- Company: Join the Council Offices in Kirkwall, dedicated to community housing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity for professional development.
- Other info: Must be able to travel within Orkney; Level 1 Disclosure Scotland Clearance required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable experience in housing services.
- Qualifications: Confident communicator with excellent IT skills; training provided for housing law certification.
The predicted salary is between 29010 - 29594 € per year.
Location: Council Offices Kirkwall Orkney, KW15 1NY
Salary: £29,010 - £29,594 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Advert
EDUCATION, COMMUNITIES AND HOUSING
Housing Services
Housing Assistant
35 hours per week
Permanent
We have a vacancy for a dedicated individual, to join our Housing team.
This is a varied role which assists both our Homelessness and Advice and Housing Management teams in the management of properties and provides support to Housing Officers.
Duties will include assisting Housing Officers on ensuring data on homelessness is recorded as required by the Scottish Government, assisting Housing Officers with paperwork on arrears and tenancy breach work, assisting with the process of making empty properties (including emergency properties) available for re-let including the purchase and acquisition of furniture.
In addition, this will involve accompanying Housing Officers on home visits / interviews as required. The post will also include drafting a range of legal notices and the administration of various processes including consultations and mailshots.
To be successful you will be a confident communicator who is diplomatic and tactful with a positive approach to tackling issues. You will have the ability to work with the minimum of supervision as part of a team and will have the ability to work under pressure.
The post also requires that you have an appreciation of local housing issues affecting the Council housing sector and can demonstrate excellent IT skills.
You will be required to hold or complete the Professional Development Award in Housing Law for Advisers at the first intake following appointment.
You will be required to attend training courses within and outwith Orkney.
You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.
This post requires Level 1 Disclosure Scotland Clearance.
Prospective applicants are invited to discuss the post by contacting Moira Adamson, Team Manager (Housing and Homelessness), on 01856 873535 extension 2173, or Moira.Adamson@orkney.gov.uk
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 31 August 2025
Please note that interview expenses are not payable for this post.
#J-18808-LjbffrHousing Assistant in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join our dedicated Housing team at the Council Offices in Kirkwall, Orkney, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and professional development. As a Housing Assistant, you will benefit from a permanent full-time position with competitive salary, opportunities for training, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to employee growth and a collaborative environment makes us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in housing services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Assistant in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local housing issues in Orkney. Understanding the specific challenges and needs of the community will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former Housing Assistants to gain insights into their day-to-day responsibilities. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising scenarios related to homelessness and housing management. Being able to discuss real-life examples will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight your IT skills, as they are crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with common software used in housing management to show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Assistant in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Housing 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 housing services, customer support, or administrative roles. Mention specific tasks that relate to the duties outlined in the job description, such as data management or assisting with legal notices.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since the role requires strong communication abilities, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your diplomatic and tactful approach. Consider including instances where you've successfully resolved issues or worked collaboratively in a team.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Craft a personalised cover letter that addresses the specific needs of the Housing Services team. Mention your understanding of local housing issues and your commitment to professional development, such as completing the Professional Development Award in Housing Law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Research Local Housing Issues
Before your interview, take some time to research the local housing issues affecting the Council housing sector. This will not only show your interest in the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Housing Assistant, you'll need to be a confident communicator. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your diplomatic and tactful approach.
✨Showcase Your IT Proficiency
Since excellent IT skills are essential for this position, be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software and tools. If possible, mention specific instances where your IT skills have helped streamline processes or improve efficiency.
✨Prepare for Home Visits Scenarios
Given that the role involves accompanying Housing Officers on home visits, think about how you would handle various scenarios. Be prepared to discuss your approach to sensitive situations and how you would ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.
