Accommodation Assistant

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership; Boston; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Flexible working policy

Job summary

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is seeking an Accommodation Assistant to support Boston Borough Council’s Housing team. You will assist people experiencing homelessness or housing difficulties, communicating face-to-face, by telephone and via email with empathy and professionalism.

You will handle accommodation administration, arrange nightly paid accommodation, and liaise with occupants and partner organisations.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Empathy, resilience and the ability to communicate sensitive information professionally.
• Well-organised approach to administering accommodation and liaising with partner organisations.

Responsibilities

• Administer temporary and resettlement accommodation and provide nightly paid accommodation.
• Arrange nightly paid accommodation as required.
• Liaise with occupants and relevant organisations for those accommodated.

Skills

People skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Professionalism

Interpersonal skills

Job description

A great opportunity has become available to support Boston Borough Councils Housing team to make a difference.

We're looking for someone who is a true people person - someone who can communicate effectively, stay calm under pressure, and show professionalism. Proving sufficient suitable accommodation will often be a challenge and you will assist the Accommodation Manager to overcome such challenges!

As an Accommodation Assistant, you will support people who may be experiencing homelessness or other housing difficulties. You'll communicate with clients face-to-face, by telephone and via email, often during challenging periods in their lives. While you are not the first point of contact, there will be occasions when you need to have sensitive conversations, explain difficult decisions, and provide information with empathy, professionalism and resilience.

In this role, accuracy is key. You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders, so strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships are essential.

You'll be responsible for

• Administration of temporary and resettlement accommodation and provision of nightly paid accommodation.
• Arrange nightly paid accommodation as required.
• Liaise with the occupants and relevant organisations for those accommodated.

You'll be part of a close-knit team that values collaboration and support. Every day is different, and you'll have exposure to various aspects of housing, with opportunities to learn and develop.

You'll have the opportunity to work flexibly, spending time in the office to collaborate with colleagues and build networks, while also having the option to work hybrid. You will be required to attend the council's offices when needed and travel to appointments within Boston. The ability to travel across the district for visits and meetings is essential.

If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Christopher Walters on [e-mail]

BENEFITS: We offer excellent terms and conditions of employment including:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, enjoy peace of mind with generous employer contributions to a scheme designed to provide long-term financial security after your working life
• Generous annual leave scheme +option to buy more
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts
• Cycle to work scheme*
• Flu Jabs
• Free Eye Test voucher for regular screen users
• Flexible Working Policy
• Agile Working Policy*
• Car mileage reimbursement*
• Excellent career progression and training opportunities
• Long Service Recognition*
• Salary sacrifice car scheme roles over 33k*

*Certain restrictions may apply

ABOUT US: Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The largest Council Partnership in the country. Since October 2021, the Partnership Councils have been working closely to deliver improved services to the communities in the sub-region and already there have been many positive outcomes.

Over time, it is envisaged that services will become formally shared across the three Councils creating the opportunity for colleagues to be involved in new and innovate areas of work.

The Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to ensuring all recruitment processes are non-discriminatory and that no potential or current employee is treated unfairly. Find out more about our Equal opportunities on our website

The Council reserves the right to change the closing date, depending on application numbers. Interviews may be arranged virtually/ in person when suitable candidates apply which may be prior to the closing date.