At a Glance
- Tasks: Help tackle empty homes and strengthen communities in the Scottish Borders.
- Company: Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to improving housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, supportive work environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Temporary role until 2028 with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing needs while working collaboratively with diverse partners.
- Qualifications: Degree in Housing or related field, strong communication skills, and a driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 47500 € per year.
Grade: 8A
Hours: 35 per week
Hourly Rate: £21.04 - £22.83
Contract Duration: Temporary until 06/07/2028
Role Purpose
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic professional to join our Housing Strategy Team on a 2‑year temporary basis and play a key role in tackling empty homes across the Scottish Borders. This is an exciting opportunity to help bring private sector empty properties back into use, making a real contribution to meeting housing need and strengthening communities. Working closely with property owners, colleagues across the Council and external partners, you will provide expert advice, practical support and creative solutions to encourage the reuse of empty homes. You will contribute to the development and delivery of the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy and Local Housing Strategy, help shape and deliver targeted initiatives, and support the provision of information, advice and incentive schemes for owners. The role also involves maintaining and analysing empty homes data, monitoring progress, and helping to secure and manage funding to support this important work.
This role would suit someone with experience in private sector housing who enjoys working collaboratively, has strong communication and negotiation skills, and is keen to make a positive difference through proactive and innovative housing solutions.
Essential
- A degree or equivalent in a Housing, Environmental Health or Building related discipline.
- Membership of a professional body (e.g. CIH or equivalent).
- A current driving licence and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement of this post.
If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ - SBO10029 in Melrose employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages professional growth. As part of the Housing Strategy Team, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on local communities by addressing housing needs and revitalising empty homes, all while benefiting from a collaborative culture and access to ongoing training and development. Located in the picturesque Scottish Borders, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows you to enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ - SBO10029 in Melrose
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, especially those who work with empty homes. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's current initiatives on empty homes. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves working closely with property owners and partners, being able to articulate your ideas clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ - SBO10029 in Melrose
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to tackling empty homes in the Scottish Borders!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for housing strategy shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely motivated to make a difference, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key issues surrounding empty homes and housing strategies. Brush up on the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy and any recent initiatives they've launched. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with others or tackled a challenging housing issue. Specific examples will make your answers more impactful.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the Council's future plans for tackling empty homes or how they measure the success of their initiatives. This shows you're engaged and thinking ahead about your potential role.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. The Council is looking for someone enthusiastic and motivated, so showing your passion for making a difference in the community can set you apart from other candidates.
