Job description
Our client, a large Public Sector Organisation requires a Hostel Assistant based in Ballymena
Role: Hostel Assistant
Location: NIHE Hostels within Ballymena Area
Hours of work: 37 hrs per week, 5 days flexible
Hourly Rate: £
LOCATION OF POST:
Ballymena
PURPOSE OF JOB:
The Hostel Assistant will provide support to those customers who have been placed in Housing Executive hostel accommodation. Hostel Assistants will be expected to understand and capture the issues raised by our customers and ensure housing support is provided and that queries are passed, when appropriate, to other Housing Executive officers or signposted to other external agencies
Hostel Assistant role:
The Hostel Assistant will assist in the provision of Housing Executive hostel accommodation. This will include:
1. Building(s) Management - Ensuring security of all stores and buildings within the grounds of the hostel and conducting daily, weekly and monthly safety checks and all relevant health and safety checks
2. Housing Management - Providing support to Housing Advisors and Accounts Officers in areas of Income Collection and liaising with Customer Service Units and Maintenance teams for repairs and maintenance etc.
3. Hostel Management - Ensuring day to day cleaning, furniture replacement etc.
4. Housing Support - Supporting Housing Advisors to help customers achieve a sustainable outcome to their housing issue
The Hostel Assistant will provide support to those customers who have been placed in Housing Executive hostel accommodation. Hostel Assistants will be expected to understand and capture the issues raised by our customers and ensure housing support is provided and that queries are passed, when appropriate, to other Housing Executive officers or signposted to other external agencies
The Hostel Assistant :
5. Assist in the maintenance of acceptable standards of hostel accommodation, including general cleaning duties and supervision of hostel facilities, including liaison with the relevant management team in the procurement of replacement furniture, as required
6. Identify and take appropriate action on repairs which will include, reporting new and following up on outstanding repairs to the Customer Services Unit and alerting the local Maintenance teams when Change of Tenancy inspections/works are. This may include replenishment of stock/materials.
7. Assist in the efficient operation of the hostel including the, receiving and booking in new residents, registration, and advice to residents on all relevant particulars, recording of incidents and making contact with staff and other agencies, as required.
8. Understand the needs of residents before taking appropriate action. This may include the provision of housing support, physical assistance, providing general advice and direction (as required) and in carrying out escort duties.
9. Support Housing Advisors and communicate in a timely manner to help address resident's needs and assist residents accessing local services.
10. Supporting Housing Advisors and others in working closely with the Income Unit to assist with the management of the rent account.
11. Under the supervision of Area Management, c daily, weekly and monthly fire safety checks and complete all relevant health and safety checks in line with policy. In relation to fire safety, this role may include fire Marshall Duties.
12. Accurately capture relevant information and maintain all necessary records and. This includes both manual and electronic records
13. Supervise of all areas of the hostel including external and internal public areas to ensure the health and safety of all residents
14. Maintain security of all stores, buildings etc within grounds of the hostel and to advise on, and carry out, action necessary to protect the hostel, its occupants and facilities. This may include CCTV monitoring and/or fob entry management.
15. Reporting potential residents or visitors actions in accordance with internal procedures that may constitute a breach of licence or that may cause a nuisance to other residents
16. Provide relief cover the hostels/NIHE TA dispersed accommodation and undertake other relevant duties, if and when required
Experience and Qualifications
Essential Criteria
Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date for application that they meet the following essential criteria:
17. (i) Hold a BTEC National Certificate or equivalent Professional or Technical qualification* (Level 3) plus at least one year's relevant customer service or general administrative experience
Or
(ii) Have five GCSEs* (Level 2), or equivalent qualification, plus at least two years' relevant customer service or general administrative experience
Or
(iii) Can demonstrate three years' experience in a customer advisor role and can demonstrate ongoing learning through completion of relevant courses and/or through relevant supported work place or on-the-job training
*Refer to Qualifications Framework for equivalencies
18. Candidates must demonstate:
19. Experience of direct delivery of relevant customer service to the public via telephone or face to face
20. Experience in dealing appropriately with customers in a challenging environment
21. Strong organisational skills and record keeping
22. Candidates must demonstrate
23. Ability to actively listen
24. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
25. Customer focus and empathy
26. Conflict resolution skills
27. Possess a current driving licence or have access to a form of transport that enables them to meet the requirements of the post in full.
Candidates will also be assessed against the relevant Individual section of the NIHE Behavioural Framework.
Desirable
28. Previous experience of working in the provision of homeless care in a similar capacity
29. Previous experience of delivery of housing services for a social/public housing landlord.
To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria.