Job Description

Job Title:

Support Officer

Contract Type:

Permanent

Salary:

27,958.22 per annum

Working Hours:

Full Time - 37.5 Hours

Working Pattern:

Rolling rota Monday - Friday including weekends

Location:

Arlington House, Arlington

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

The difference you will make as a Support Officer

You will be key in the day-to-day running of one of our supported housing services. The priority in your role includes the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our accommodation, including our customers.


Some of your responsibilities will include:


Engaging with customers daily to build their trust and encourage them to take part in various activities within the service and wider community. Working with customers to raise their awareness of local services and facilities to ensure they have access to training, education, and work. Carry out support planning and risk assessments for high need customers with the support of a Support Officer. Working with the Specialist Support Officer to arrange and facilitate group sessions or activities. Collaborating with relevant community agencies to ensure customers receive appropriate advice and support. Ensuring that key performance targets are met and that all customer records are up to date.

About you

We are looking for someone who believes in working together as part of a team, who shares our values and who is friendly, engaged and committed to achieving great outcomes for our customers.


We are looking for someone with:


Experience of working with vulnerable people with a range of needs in a support capacity A genuine passion for working with people and be able to travel Good communication skills and the ability to engage with and respect the needs of vulnerable people Excellent team working skills with a creative flair and ability to think outside of the box Housing sector knowledge including housing benefit applications Strong IT and social media skills to manage and maintain administration and recording systems

Why Riverside?

One Housing Group is now part of Riverside. At Riverside, we're a housing association with a difference - enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we've been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.


We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.


Working with us, you'll enjoy:


Competitive pay & generous pension 28 days holidays plus bank holidays Flexible working options available Investment in your learning, personal development and technology A wide range of benefits
Our Homelessness and Prevention team is friendly, and we love what we do. We are passionate about the high-quality support we provide. Working in care can be demanding, but our colleagues are always kind and compassionate no matter what challenges they encounter. As part of our team you will be doing work you can be proud of, ensuring the safety and happiness of our customers in their home

Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.


Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Role Profile

Work on a rota basis, including out of office hours where necessary Comply with all relevant policies & procedures, including but not limited to: Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Customer Care, Equality & Diversity, the Code of Conduct etc. Carry out assessment to identify and prioritise needs Use SMART goal planning to provide needs led holistic support Develop and maintain positive links with key stakeholders Create an environment that promotes opportunities for customers to develop, learn and enable skills towards independence Where required, administer medication & ensure appropriate records are maintained Ensure that the service complies with our standing orders & financial regulations Adhere to confidentiality policies Provide a comprehensive support planning service to customers in line with the department's policies, procedures and approach Ensure customers are fully informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding the service, and are enabled and empowered to get involved in the running of the service through consultation and participation Set up and maintain customer files and ensure that accurate and up to date records are kept of support provided to customers in accordance with HCS policies including on the MPS IT system Make full use of IT & other technologies for appropriate tasks, including the use of word processing, spreadsheets, email etc. Where appropriate, complete all tasks to meet targets towards minimising voids In accommodation based services, liaise closely with the Housing Management Team to identify problems with Housing Benefit payments, review rent collection and address other tenancy-related matter Support customers to develop the necessary skills to live independently, and to access training, education and work

Person Specification

Essential

Good interpersonal skills Good level of IT skills and literacy Knowledge of the Housing Sector Experience of providing support to others in a work, voluntary or personal capacity A practical solution focussed approach to problem solving Ability to work flexibly and in a busy environment Knowledge and understanding of up to date legislation, government frameworks relevant to the customer group Understanding of safeguarding children and adults

Desirable

Demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable adults Experience of undertaking customer assessments, support planning and key-working with a clear outcome focus Experience of promoting Equality & Diversity Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise workload Ability to communicate effectively in writing including the preparation of letters reports & file notes Ability to contribute to effective team working * IT skills including use of Microsoft packages such as Word