At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in West Lothian.
- Company: West Lothian Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment with career development potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team that transforms lives through housing solutions.
- Qualifications: Motivated individuals with a passion for helping others and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Advert 36 hrs per per week, 52.14 weeks per year - Fixed Term until 1 August 2027 We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds We have an exciting opportunity for motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Housing Need Accommodation Team to help make a difference to the lives of people who are either experiencing homelessness.
As an Accommodation Officer within a high demand, high performing team tasked with delivering the management of the council’s temporary housing service in order to meet the needs of individuals or families who are homeless.
The team are responsible for both the provision and key housing management services for temporary accommodation in West Lothian.
The accommodation is sourced from both the social and private housing sectors.
The service also manages the preparation and onboarding of properties in the Private Sector for use as temporary accommodation.
Allocating temporary accommodation whilst utilising a pro-active approach in accordance with our policies and procedures to meet the needs of a range of people, ensuring complex needs of applicants are met and properties are used to the best potential.
The team work together closely with our other prevention and support services to ensure we deliver customer-focussed service to those in private and temporary accommodation in West Lothian.
This post is considered Regulated Work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scotland Act 2007.
From 28 February 2011 preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to a formal offer of employment being made by West Lothian Council
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 506.32 - WEL10554 in Livingston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at West Lothian Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from West Lothian Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like West Lothian Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at West Lothian Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 506.32 - WEL10554 in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to West Lothian Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to West Lothian Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
