At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering high-quality housing and support to residents while providing outstanding customer service.
- Company: Join YMCA St Paul’s Group, a leading charity transforming communities for over 150 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, discounts, well-being services, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and communities every day.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
YMCA St Paul’s Group (SPG) is a charity and registered housing provider whose mission is to be an inclusive Christian Association transforming communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive. As a member of the wider YMCA Federation, our vision is of places where young people thrive and communities flourish. We are one of the largest YMCAs in Europe and one of the largest providers of supported housing in London, providing supported housing services, health and wellbeing services, education and training services through its health and wellbeing centres, children, youth and family programmes, including nurseries, after school clubs and soft play centres.
About the role: You will assist the Housing and Support team in delivering high-quality housing and support to our residents. In this role, you'll frequently serve as the first point of contact for our residents and visitors, addressing a wide range of inquiries and providing comprehensive information and holistic advice. You will deliver a consistent, top-tier customer service experience for everyone you engage with, especially our residents and their support network.
Your role will be wonderfully diverse with varied responsibilities such as reception duties, first aid, fire marshal, health and safety, as well as being the face of YMCA St Paul’s Group to welcome new residents and Health & Wellbeing members. As the first point of contact for our valued residents and visitors, you'll play a pivotal role in our mission to deliver top-notch housing and support. You'll tackle a diverse range of responsibilities, making every day exciting and fulfilling:
- Deliver Outstanding Customer Service: You will be at the forefront of providing a consistently high-quality customer service experience. Your interactions will leave a lasting impression on everyone you encounter, especially our residents and their support network.
- Versatility at its Best: This role is anything but monotonous. In addition to typical reception duties such as managing telephone services, handling mail, overseeing repairs, and processing payments, you'll also play a vital role in maintaining the safety of our building.
- Safety and Security: You'll be designated as the first aider and fire marshal, entrusted with ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents during emergencies. Regular patrols, including Wellbeing and Facilities checks, will be part of your shift, contributing to our community's safety and comfort.
- Welcoming and Listening: This role will often be the first point of contact; you may receive new residents, address complaints, handle reports of anti-social behaviour, or lend a compassionate ear to residents and the public. Your ability to identify and report concerns or issues as appropriate will be invaluable.
Joining our team means becoming part of a friendly and supportive group of experienced housing advisors. Where your expertise and passion will shine as you play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of our residents and visitors. Your multifaceted responsibilities will keep you engaged, and your dedication to delivering high-quality service will be a source of pride and accomplishment.
What we offer: At YMCA St Paul's Group, we prioritise improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our services. We value your authenticity and unique voice and encourage you to share your opinions. You will have the opportunity to be a catalyst for change by actively participating in our Employee Resource Groups. You can learn, grow, and reach your full potential as a team member. We are committed to your development and will support your personal growth journey. Our comprehensive learning and development programme includes training, qualifications, and on-the-job experience, ensuring that you have the skills necessary for your role while offering continuous development and advancement opportunities.
In addition, you will have access to a range of benefits which will support you in mind, body, and spirit, which include:
- Free gym access across our sites.
- Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets.
- Free access to well-being and counselling services.
- The ability to work from a range of outer London work locations.
- Career development programmes to help you thrive.
- Family-friendly policies to help you balance work-life, including enhanced maternity pay.
- Life Assurance (permanent contracts only).
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship and can only accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK. As this role involves working with vulnerable members of society including regulated activity, a Basic, Standard or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required following a conditional offer. We are making people aware of this because with Enhanced disclosures, spent convictions may appear. However, if you were appointed, we will consider all circumstances before making a final decision.
Accessibility & adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know in advance if you require any support to participate fully. At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we actively promote equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives that make our workforce stronger. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold and work in accordance with the Christian ethos and values of the YMCA.
Housing and Support Assistant in London employer: YMCA West London
YMCA West London is an excellent employer for those looking to gain hands-on experience in HR and recruitment within a supportive and community-focused environment. As a volunteer, you will benefit from skill development opportunities, work alongside dedicated professionals, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in the local community. The vibrant culture in Wimbledon fosters collaboration and personal growth, making it an ideal place for aspiring HR professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing and Support Assistant in London
✨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 YMCA West London.
✨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 YMCA West London!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨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 YMCA West London 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 Housing and Support Assistant in London
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 YMCA West London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to YMCA West London! 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 YMCA West London
✨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.