Job Description

Job Title:

Independent Living Officer

Responsible to:

Housing Manager

Responsible for:

Domestic Staff

Working Hours:

35 hours - Monday to Friday

(Flexitime system in operation between 07:00 - 19:00 - in addition the nature of the ILO's job is such that the actual hours of duty may vary by agreement with the Housing Manager)

Important Dates:

Application closing date:

12 noon on Friday 24th October 2025

Interview Date:

Monday 3rd October 2025

JOB PURPOSE

The Independent Living Officer's (ILO) role is to provide background support to the residents. You should be unobtrusively observant of the wellbeing and needs of the residents, and do what you can to help, while fostering a sense of independence. To provide background support to the residents to enable them to continue to live independently in a safe and welcoming environment.

The postholder will liaise with the Independent Living Officer at the sister scheme to provide cover during periods of annual leave and sickness, and will attend regular meetings at Head Office. The role will also involve collaborative working with the Resident Involvement Officer (RIO) to plan, organise, and promote community activities beyond the courts. In addition, the postholder will be expected to participate in training sessions to support the seamless and consistent delivery of services across both schemes.

The Independent Living Officer will not be expected to undertake the nursing of residents, other than to give emergency help or general assistance in case of an accident or illness until the help of Social Services and/or relatives can be obtained. You should encourage but not impose social activities among the residents and maintain as many links as possible with the neighbourhood.

You should promote the service and the Association in a positive and proactive manner whilst ensuring the management and maintenance of the scheme is in accordance with the Association's policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Management

Provide reassurance calls and visits to vulnerable residents as required. Respond promptly to emergency calls, contacting responders and emergency services when appropriate. Establish and maintain a regular period each day when residents are able to contact the Independent Living Officer in the office. Maintain up-to-date records of care plans, care providers, next of kin, doctors, nearest relatives, social workers, and other relevant contacts for each resident. Keep accurate and timely records of daily activities and duties undertaken. Manage the diary and bookings for the guest room, including processing payments and ensuring the room is prepared and refreshed with clean bed linen and supplies.

Resident Support

Liaise with the Independent Living Officer at the sister scheme to provide cover during periods of annual leave and sickness. Monitor residents' wellbeing and take appropriate action to support health, safety, and welfare. Act as a point of contact for residents, addressing concerns and providing advice or signposting to additional services when needed.

Community Engagement

Work collaboratively with the Resident Involvement Officer (RIO) to plan, organise, and promote community activities beyond the courts. Encourage resident participation in events and community programs, fostering a sense of community and wellbeing. Support initiatives that promote social inclusion, engagement, and active participation.

Administration & Compliance

Participate in training sessions to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery across schemes. Maintain accurate records and reports in accordance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements. Attend regular meetings at Head Office and other locations as required to support service development and operational priorities. Support the development and review of policies, procedures, and care plans as required.

Safety and Security

Liaise closely with the relative warden alarm centre to ensure the scheme is properly handed over at the end of each working day and during periods off-site, including holidays and sickness Undertake security, health, and safety checks in and around the scheme in line with Association policy. Make referrals to appropriate care and support services as required. Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, equality and diversity, and health and safety, ensuring all duties are performed in accordance with the Association's policies and procedures. Understand and implement the Protection of Vulnerable Adults policy; identify potential signs of abuse and handle such matters sensitively, appropriately, and professionally. Ensure that all residents and staff understand and adhere to the scheme's evacuation procedures. Be responsible for monitoring the security and access to the building, including allowing access to maintenance contractors, service providers, and relevant health, social, and welfare agencies. Record and report any incidents of anti-social behaviour to the Housing Manager. Carry out regular testing of relevant safety and security systems, maintaining accurate records as required. Assess residents' ability to evacuate safely in the event of a fire. Monitor the CCTV system (where installed) in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection laws.

Repairs and Maintenance

Monitor the quality of contractors providing services on the scheme, including those paid via service charges (e.g., ground maintenance, window cleaning, and laundry). Report repairs promptly in accordance with the Association's procedures for both residents and communal areas. Supervise and manage all facilities within the scheme, ensuring smooth operation. Collaborate with the technical team to identify residents with specific needs related to planned programme works and assist in coordinating support. Identify the need for new communal equipment and furniture and coordinate the delivery and removal of any damaged or outdated items. Ensure all furniture is maintained to a high standard and in good condition. Actively support, promote, and embody the vision, mission, and values of the Association at all times.

Staff Management

Direct and manage domestic staff to ensure that they are appropriately motivated and developed and so that they carry out their responsibilities to the required standard. Ensure the domestic staff maintain a collaborative approach to work with colleagues and provide a high level of resident service. Ensure domestic staff are aware of and adhere to the Association's business objectives, equalities framework, policies and procedures and are focused on their achievement and implementation

Person Specification

Essential

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, negotiation, and relationship-building Able to manage sensitive issues with confidentiality Skilled in prioritising competing workloads and solving problems creatively Capable of working independently and collaboratively

Knowledge & Qualifications

Understanding of older people's needs and related health & safety Awareness of GDPR, Equal Opportunities, and Equality & Diversity issues Minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including ICT skills (Microsoft Office) Ability to travel across locations; full driving licence and own transport

Experience

Confident communicator across all levels Experience collaborating with multiple agencies and supporting residents Experience in safeguarding and working with diverse resident groups Proven ability to develop support plans and manage challenging situations

Personal Qualities

Resident-focused, empathetic, and professional Commitment to equal opportunities and team collaboration Calm under pressure, with sound judgement and initiative

Desirable

Skills & Knowledge

Commitment to continuous improvement and informed decision-making NVQ 2/3 in Housing, Social Care or equivalent Knowledge of telecare, lifeline products, first aid, and property maintenance

Experience

Background in housing, older people's services, or Independent Living schemes

Personal Qualities

Passion for supporting Independent Living
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 23,163.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Employee discount Flexitime Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: In person