THE WORK AND ALL THAT IS INVOLVED IN IT
Residential wardens are responsible for overseeing the living quarters of individuals who, although leading independent lives, on occasion need assistance. The vast majority of wardens find employment in sheltered housing projects for the elderly, where they are sometimes referred to as scheme managers.
Others could work with persons who have disabilities or with students who are experiencing their first year away from home. Some wardens find employment in shelters or supported housing for persons experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals, or drug users. In these settings, they may be referred to as project workers or support workers.
In certain types of tourist accommodations, such as youth hostels, there are also residential wardens.
Residential wardens are responsible for the upkeep of a wide variety of housing options, and the tasks that fall within their purview are quite diverse. These could be some of them:
assisting residents in adjusting to their new living arrangements and instructing them on how to use various equipment, such as alarm systems, heating systems, and others.
coming to an agreement on and drafting a support plan for each individual resident.
Making it a point to check in with each of the residents on a frequent basis.
ensuring that caregivers, who assist residents with activities such as bathing and dressing, are available at the times that have been agreed upon.
ensuring that tenants fully comprehend and comply with all laws, regulations, and health and safety standards that are specific to their housing situation.
Making certain that residents treat one another as well as the staff with respect and attention at all times.
ensuring that residents who suffer from illness or sustain injuries as a result of an accident get the necessary medical care.
In the event that there is a fire or any other kind of emergency, calling the appropriate emergency services and ensuring that all of the occupants are safe are your responsibilities.
inspecting the identification of each guest that comes to the lodging and being accountable for maintaining the building's security.
Supervising the staff that is responsible for the cleaning and upkeep of the facility.
Putting together social gatherings and trips, including lunch clubs and the like.
liaising with social services, other organizations, and families in order to guarantee that every resident is provided with the necessary assistance.
Creating connections with locals who would otherwise lead solitary lives.
Providing students or visitors with information about the surrounding area.
Providing assistance to individuals with the filing of benefit claims and other formal documents.
Keeping tabs on everything.
Some jobs need their employees to be on call outside of normal business hours. It is becoming less typical for scheme managers to be responsible for this in sheltered housing, but it is likely to be a component of the work for wardens of student accommodation or youth hostels.
Even though the typical workweek is somewhere around 37 hours, employees may be required to put in extra time during the evenings and on the weekends. In addition, wardens could be expected to undertake on-call responsibilities, which require them to react to alarm calls from residents at any time of the day or night. There is often employment available on a part-time basis.
The office of a warden is often located inside the residential complex, but over the course of a typical workday, the warden will likely move around the complex, checking on various parts of the building and the grounds.
It's possible that they'll be given lodging right there on the premises, especially in more remote locations.
Initial pay might range anywhere from around £11,000 to £13,000 per year. As they get more experience, wardens have the potential to increase their annual salary to around £22,000.
The annual salary of an assisted housing team leader might range anywhere from $27,000 to $33,000 or even more.
There may be a package of incentives available, one of which is free or subsidized housing on site; however, a growing proportion of wardens currently reside off site. Additional compensation could be given to wardens for on-call responsibilities.
HOW TO BEGIN THIS OPTION FOR A PROFESSIONAL CAREER
There are vacancies for residential wardens throughout the whole of the United Kingdom. Local governments, housing associations, commercial businesses, charity and voluntary organizations, universities and colleges are all examples of types of organizations that hire people.
There are other chances available in hostels that house a specific set of professionals, such as lodging for nurses, as well as opportunities available in youth hostels. The vast majority of employment opportunities may be found in urban and suburban areas. On the other hand, youth hostels are often located in more remote locations.
Local newspapers, Jobcentre Plus offices, recruiting companies that specialize in housing, the LG Talent website, and specialized periodicals like Community Care and Inside Housing are some of the places where openings are publicized and where applicants may apply for positions.
During the summer months, the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) in England and Wales seeks to employ general assistants to work in its many hostels throughout the two countries.
EDUCATIONAL AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Although there are no official qualifications for admittance, candidates should be able to show fundamental abilities in reading, numeracy, and effective communication.
It is possible that previous experience working in a caring setting, for example as a care assistant, is necessary for this position. Candidates who have degrees or certifications in health and social care, as well as those who are up to date on their first aid training, may have an edge.
An apprenticeship in housing is available, which candidates may do to increase their chances of getting a job as a residential warden.
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships are two types of programs that offer a structured learning environment with an employer. You must be paid at least £95 a week if you are an apprentice, and it is likely that you will be paid more. According to the findings of a recent poll, the typical salary for apprentices is £170 per week. Your salary will be determined by the industry in which you work, as well as by your age, the region in which you reside, and the point in the apprenticeship program that you are now working toward.
Entry to Employment (e2e) is a program that may assist people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship become ready for the workforce. In addition, young people between the ages of 14 and 16 may be eligible to participate in Young Apprenticeships. You may get further information by speaking with a Connexions personal advisor or visiting the website www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the system for obtaining an apprenticeship is structured quite differently.
My World of Work may be found online at www.myworldofwork.co.uk/modernapprenticeships; Careers Wales can be found online at www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland, contact www.careersserviceni.com for further information.
There is a possibility that the Diploma in society, health, and development may be useful.
In order to be eligible for jobs working with vulnerable persons or children, candidates need to go through the Criminal Records Bureau's screening process (CRB).
A HANDFUL MORE TESTS MAY BE REQUIRED OF YOU.
Training is often provided on the job for wardens by their respective employers. In addition to this, you may take some crash courses. Many firms require that individuals working in the security industry have credentials in areas such as health and hygiene, moving and handling, and first aid. Throughout their professional lives, individuals should make it a priority to ensure that these are maintained current at all times.
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and the Centre for Housing and Support both provide a variety of professional certificates, some of which include a Certificate in Housing at Levels 2 or 3, and these degrees may be studied by interested parties (CHS). They provide a road to assisted housing at the Level 3 level.
A foundation degree in housing with assistance may be obtained at the University of Plymouth. This degree, which is often completed in a part-time capacity over the course of three years, also contains the CIH Level 4 diploma.
CHS also provides a range of short courses on a variety of topics, such as successful resident participation, dealing with alcohol and drug addiction, coping with loss and grief, and dealing with financial inclusion and older persons.
Wardens who have the necessary experience and credentials may submit an application to become members of the CIH. SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED
A residential warden's responsibilities include:
Develop strong communication skills along with a pleasant demeanor.
Have patience and the ability to win people's trust in order to succeed.
Always keep in mind the requirements of the locals.
Develop the ability to connect with others despite their varied experiences and origins.
Take the time to listen carefully.
Always keep your security and safety in mind.
Have the mental fortitude to deal with challenging circumstances, such as finding out that a resident has passed away and making plans to notify that person's relatives.
In the event of a crisis, you should be able to react rapidly while maintaining your composure.
Have great organization skills.
Having some experience with cleaning and basic maintenance is essential.
Maintain your integrity while while being discrete.
Having the ability to work with computers, paperwork, and numbers is a must.