At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist homeless applicants outside office hours and secure temporary accommodation.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to supporting the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay for standby and callouts, plus mileage reimbursement.
- Other info: Join a small, dedicated team with flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during critical times.
- Qualifications: Experience with the public and a full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 6915 - 6915 £ per year.
Advert Out of Hours Accommodation Officer Housing Services 17.5 hours per week Permanent Salary is in accordance with the Model Agreement on Out of Hours Working. £132.78 per week for each complete week of standby performed, plus £44.26 for public holiday working.
Additional payments for callouts are £13.24 (Monday to Friday), £28.20 (Saturday) and £38.42 (Sunday).
You will be reporting to Team Manager (Housing and Homelessness).
Your working pattern is to be on call two weeks out of every four weeks, outwith office hours (after 17:00 every weekday, until 09:00 the following morning, and from 17:00 on a Friday evening until 09:00 Monday morning).
Public holiday cover will also apply.
The purpose of this role is to assist applicants presenting as homeless to Orkney Islands Council outwith office hours, to ensure that the Council's statutory obligations are fulfilled in meeting the needs of homeless and potentially homeless applicants.
We need to be able to respond quickly and effectively at all times when someone is homeless.
Therefore, Housing Services wishes to appoint someone who is responsible and enthusiastic to join our Out of Hours Accommodation Service as part of a small team.
You will be able to react quickly to homeless presentations outwith office hours, assist applicants and secure appropriate temporary accommodation before passing the case to our Homelessness and Advice Section to progress during office hours.
To do this, you will require a broad range of experience of dealing with the general public, particularly in demanding situations and to be able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.
A full driving licence is essential (please note the Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments so if you are unable to drive due to a disability your application will still be considered).
Mileage will be paid.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile.
These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post involves a contractual requirement to
- participate in a standby rota covering out of hours, click here for Standby Information .
This post is a regulated role with adults and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Applications close on 23.59 Sunday 6 September 2026, with shortlisting taking place on 7 September 2026 and interviews scheduled for 21 September 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Moira Adamson, Team Manager (Housing and Homelessness) at or on extension 2173.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, click here for Information for Applicants.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process .
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Out of Hours Accommodation Officer - ORK10667 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those embarking on a career in social care. With a focus on employee growth through practical experience and training towards an SVQ 2 in Social Services and Healthcare, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults within the community. The council promotes flexible working patterns and values diversity, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking rewarding employment in a caring profession.
