At a Glance
- Tasks: Support homeless households by managing temporary accommodation and ensuring quality living conditions.
- Company: Join West Suffolk Council, a top-rated district council for climate action.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25+ days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting sustainability and community well-being.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A home is more than just a roof over someone’s head – it is where individuals and families find their security, safety and stability. We are recruiting for a full‑time Accommodation Officer to help minimise the use and cost of temporary accommodation.
What you will need
To meet the requirements of this role you must be able to provide a high quality, responsive, customer‑focused housing management and lettings service for homeless households living in temporary accommodation. With a passion for collaborative multi‑agency working, you will have excellent communication skills, be outcome focused, a clear thinker, a great motivator and a skilled and accomplished negotiator and problem‑solver.
Responsibilities
- Undertake regular visits and inspections to ensure that all of the temporary accommodation the council uses is being maintained in a good condition.
- Work proactively with contractors to ensure that temporary accommodation is repaired.
- Ensure that a comprehensive, up‑to‑date inventory and schedule of condition is maintained in relation to every property that is leased or owned by the council.
- Ensure that homeless households living in temporary accommodation are helped and encouraged to comply with their licence or tenancy conditions.
Benefits
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro‑rata if part‑time) plus bank holidays, with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval.
- Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5 % and 6.8 % (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 26 %.
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary.
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance.
- Agile working – ability to work in the office and from home.
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services.
- Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest‑free and repay through your monthly salary).
- Rail and bus staff discounts.
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme.
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres.
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning.
- Modern office accommodation.
Contact
For an informal discussion and further information, please call Laura Stevenson, Team Leader – Temporary Accommodation, on 01638 719286 or email Laura.Stevenson@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Or contact Vicky Taylor, Accommodation Manager, on 01638 719393 or email Vicky.Taylor@westsuffolk.gov.uk.
How To Apply
To apply, please visit our website.
Closing Date 12 pm, 21 December 2025.
Interview Date 12 January 2026.
About the Team
West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action (Climate Scorecards 2023) and as a member of UK100 it has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039.
Accommodation Officer in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Officer in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Reach out to Laura or Vicky for a chat about the role. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and get insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of examples where you've tackled challenges, especially in housing or customer service. We want to see how you think on your feet!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. This role is all about teamwork, so share stories that highlight your ability to work with others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at West Suffolk Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Officer in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how much you care about providing a safe and secure home for those in need.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand and directly relate to the role of Accommodation Officer.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, emphasise your communication abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past.
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 role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Accommodation Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, especially around customer-focused housing management and multi-agency collaboration. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Accommodation Officer, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or resolved issues. Think about times when you’ve worked with different agencies or stakeholders, and be ready to discuss how you managed those relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your problem-solving skills by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will illustrate your ability to think clearly and act decisively under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the council's approach to maintaining temporary accommodation or how they measure success in this role. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.