Accommodation Assistant - Full Time, Permanent

Edinburgh Napier University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Nationally agreed pay increases

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted gym access

Job summary

A prominent UK university is seeking an Accommodation Assistant to join its Property & Facilities team in Edinburgh. The role involves providing front-line advice to students and assisting in the management of student accommodations. Candidates should have extensive customer service experience and knowledge of housing legislation. The position offers a supportive work environment and various development opportunities, aimed at enhancing student living experiences.

Qualifications

• Strong customer-service focused outlook with clear communication skills.
• Extensive relevant front-line customer contact experience.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and private rented sector.

Responsibilities

• Providing advice to student tenants on tenancy and repairs issues.
• Responding to student and stakeholder enquiries promptly.
• Maintaining the Student Accommodation Housing Management System.

Skills

Customer-service focused

Effective communication

Microsoft Excel knowledge

Analytical skills

Job description

Benefits

• Minimum 41 days annual leave (including 10 fixed holidays)
• A generous pension scheme (employer contribution 17.6%)
• Nationally agreed pay increases each year
• Various learning and development opportunities
• Discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities and a wide range of staff discounts

About the Role

We are looking for an Accommodation Assistant to join our Property & Facilities team on a permanent basis, based on site at Bainfield, with travel through the Student Accommodation portfolio (Slateford Road and Orwell Terrace).

The Property & Facilities Team delivers a first‑class service to over 1,500 staff and nearly 19,000 students. This team is one of the largest professional services departments within the University and is responsible for the management and development of the University Campuses, Ancillary Facilities, Student Accommodation, Conferencing & Events, Catering, Facilities Services, Print & Document Services, Logistics and Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a team who are at the heart of the University.

Duties

• Provide front‑line advice and assistance to new and existing student tenants on a wide range of tenancy and repairs issues, rent and arrears information, allocation procedures, inter‑flat issues and private sector advice.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding quickly and appropriately to all student and stakeholder enquiries face to face, by email or by phone.
• Maintain and update the Student Accommodation Housing Management System and associated software packages.
• Work alongside the Accommodation Officer to assist in the overall management, care, supervision and cleanliness of the flats.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong, customer‑service focused outlook with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Extensive relevant front‑line customer contact experience (preferred from a housing/property management background) with a commitment to delivering the highest levels of customer service.
• Experience dealing with a complex range of user needs and delivering appropriate service models.
• Excellent working knowledge of all Microsoft packages, particularly demonstrable experience of Excel.
• Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Well‑developed analytical and evaluative skills with attention to detail, and ability to make decisions.
• Experience of streamlining or introducing processes in operational property management.
• Experience of working within Further Education/Higher Education environment.
• Knowledge of housing legislation and the private rented sector, including repairs reporting and operational property management, preferably within student accommodation.

Additional Information

Grade 3. Interview dates: 2nd and 3rd February. The University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. The University is committed to inclusion, demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditation and holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status.