Accommodation Warden
Job Description:Accommodation wardens manage the day-to-day running of services like sheltered housing, youth hostels and student flats.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- allocate and manage accommodation
- control rent arrears
- inspect property and arrange for repairs to be carried out
- supervise catering, cleaning and maintenance staff
- look after the welfare of residents
- check on health and safety, and do risk assessments
- work with outside agencies, carers and parents
- deal with emergencies
Skills:
You’ll need:
- customer service skills
- business management skills
- administration skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
Restrictions and Requirements
You’ll need to pass enhanced background checks
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course before applying for a job. Courses, in the UK for example, include:
- Certificate in Facilities Services (Level 2 in the UK)
- Certificate in Housing Practice (Level 2 in the UK)
- Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 3 in the UK)
Apprenticeship
You can train for this job through:
- an intermediate housing and property management assistant apprenticeship
- an advanced apprenticeship in housing and property management
Work
You could work as a warden’s assistant and become qualified through on-the-job training. You could also work your way up by doing customer service courses.
Volunteering
You could start as a volunteer warden, for example, if you want to work with the Youth Hostel Association.
Direct Application
To apply directly, you’ll usually need school qualifications in English and maths (GCSE’s in the UK)
You’ll also find it helpful to have paid or unpaid experience of working with vulnerable groups and experience of working in a care setting.
School Subjects
While school subjects may not be the primary determining factor for becoming an Accommodation Warden, the following subjects could be helpful in developing relevant skills and knowledge:
- English Language: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for an Accommodation Warden as they interact with tenants and handle various administrative tasks.
- Mathematics: Basic mathematical skills are essential for managing budgets, handling financial transactions, and analyzing data related to the accommodation.
- Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science: Familiarity with IT and computer skills is valuable for managing digital records, online communication, and using property management software.
- Business Studies: This subject can provide insights into basic business principles and management practices, which can be useful in overseeing and organizing the accommodation facility.
- Geography or Environmental Science: Knowledge of environmental factors and geographic location can help with understanding issues related to the accommodation’s surroundings and potential environmental impacts.
- Citizenship or Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE): These subjects can help in developing interpersonal skills, ethical decision-making, and understanding social responsibilities, which are vital for a role that involves interacting with tenants.
- Design and Technology: While not directly related, this subject can be beneficial if the accommodation management includes aspects of maintenance and repair.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work in the community or at an adult care home
Typical hours are between 37-40 hours a week and one could work evenings and weekends at short notice.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become an accommodation manager with responsibility for several centres and wardens. You could also work in housing or block management.
With further study, you could work in a related area like social work or counselling.