Accommodation warden

You would support people who stay in sheltered housing, youth hostels and student residences. You would make sure the building is safe and clean.

Depending on where you work, you would support:

• Elderly people

• People with disabilities

• Homeless people

• Tourists

• Students

You’d run the day-to-day services like cleaning and serving meals, and respond to the needs of the residents.

You would:

• Look after the residents and make sure they are well

• Supervise the staff who cook and clean for residents

• Respond to emergencies and contact doctors, social workers or community nurses

• Check that residents are safe and keep the building secure

• Arrange repairs and maintenance

• Give out rooms and advise residents about the rules of living there

You might also organise leisure activities like bingo, lunch clubs and guest speakers for elderly, homeless or disabled people.

In a youth hostel, you’d give people information about fun things to do and see in the local area and answer their questions about tourist attractions.

You’d need to be be friendly, calm and outgoing so you are able to get on with a wide variety of people. You‘d need to keep accurate records and write reports.

• Chartered Institute of Housing - Training and qualifications

• Youth Hostel Association - About working and volunteering in UK youth hostels

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme