At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tenants and communities in thriving through effective housing management.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the Scottish Borders focused on social housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a solid pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in social housing while making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and knowledge of housing legislation are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your wellbeing and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 29717 - 32775 £ per year.
SBHA is seeking a proactive and customer-focused individual to join our team in the Scottish Borders as a Neighbourhood Assistant on a fixed-term basis for 12 months. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start a career in social housing, supporting our Tenants and communities to thrive and enjoy their homes.
Salary: £29,717 – £32,775 per annum (pay award pending)
Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders
Hours and terms: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, fixed‑term for 12 months
Closing Date: 19 April 2026
The Neighbourhood Assistant will support the Neighbourhood Housing Officer in delivering effective, Tenant‑focused housing and estate management services. The role has a strong focus on rent collection, income maximisation, tenancy sustainment and customer service. You will work closely with Tenants, colleagues and partner agencies to ensure services are accessible, responsive and aligned with legislation, policy and best practice. This post is subject to Disclosure Scotland clearance.
Summary of Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Support the delivery of front‑line neighbourhood, tenancy and estate management services
- Assist with rent collection and arrears management, taking early action to support tenants and prevent escalation
- Promote income maximisation and support Tenants to access welfare benefits and financial support
- Contribute to tenancy sustainment through Tenant contact, home visits and referrals to support services
- Provide high‑quality customer service, responding to Tenant enquiries and complaints professionally and empathetically
- Maintain accurate records on housing management and CRM systems in line with data protection requirements
- Support estate inspections, Tenant participation and engagement within local communities
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to deliver effective services
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- Good working knowledge of housing and welfare benefits legislation
- Experience in a customer‑facing role within housing, income maximisation or a similar environment
- Strong customer service, communication and IT skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work accurately with minimal supervision
- A flexible, proactive and solution‑focused approach
- Full driving licence and access to own transport
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience working within a housing association or social housing environment
- Relevant qualification in Housing, Administration or a related discipline
- Experience using housing management and/or CRM systems
Benefits:
You will enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous annual leave, stability of employment and a good pension scheme. You will be part of a team that values your wellbeing and development and work in an environment where you can flourish.
Neighbourhood Assistant (Fixed term for 12 months) employer: SCOTTISH BORDERS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Contact Detail:
SCOTTISH BORDERS HOUSING ASSOCIATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Neighbourhood Assistant (Fixed term for 12 months)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research SBHA and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Neighbourhood Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to customer service and housing management. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Neighbourhood Assistant (Fixed term for 12 months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Neighbourhood Assistant role. Highlight your customer service experience and any relevant knowledge of housing and welfare benefits legislation. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social housing shine through in your application. Share why you're excited about supporting Tenants and communities, and how you can contribute to making their lives better. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about the role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Neighbourhood Assistant position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTTISH BORDERS HOUSING ASSOCIATION
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on housing and welfare benefits legislation. Understanding the basics will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role of Neighbourhood Assistant.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've excelled in customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went the extra mile for a customer, as this role is all about supporting tenants effectively.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Focused
During the interview, highlight instances where you've taken initiative to solve problems. This could be anything from improving a process to helping a colleague. The Neighbourhood Assistant role requires a proactive approach, so demonstrate that you can think on your feet.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, challenges faced by the Neighbourhood Housing Officer, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the job is the right fit for you.