At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Housing Strategy Team to tackle empty homes and strengthen communities.
- Company: Scottish Borders Council, dedicated to improving local housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Temporary role with a focus on collaboration and innovative housing solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing empty properties back into use and helping those in need.
- Qualifications: Degree in Housing or related field, strong communication skills, and a driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 38400 - 41667 € per year.
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 Newtown St Boswells employer: Scottish Borders Council
Scottish Borders Council is an excellent employer that values diversity and community engagement, offering a supportive work culture where employees can make a tangible impact on local housing needs. With opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across various departments, this role not only allows you to contribute to innovative housing solutions but also provides a chance to develop your skills in a meaningful way. Located in the picturesque Scottish Borders, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while being part of a team dedicated to strengthening communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ - SBO10029 in Newtown St Boswells
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the housing sector! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how they relate to tackling empty homes. We want to hear about your creative solutions and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for job openings to come to you. Reach out to councils or organisations that interest you, even if they’re not advertising. We love seeing candidates take the initiative and express their passion for making a positive impact in the community.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals who are ready to tackle challenges head-on, just like the Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ - SBO10029 in Newtown St Boswells
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!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience in private sector housing. We’re looking for someone who can bring practical solutions, so let us know about any past projects or initiatives you've been involved in that relate to this role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for applying. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 current initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, whether it’s with property owners or other teams. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills!
✨Bring Data to Life
Since maintaining and analysing empty homes data is part of the job, think of ways you can present data effectively. Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have with data analysis and how it can inform decision-making.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.
