At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Disabled people in managing their care and promoting independent living.
- Company: Equal Lives, a passionate user-led disability rights organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and meaningful work that makes a difference.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to removing barriers and promoting choice.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to live independently and build lasting relationships in the community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for equality and empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 26357 £ per year.
Equal Lives are seeking an Independent Living Adviser. Are you passionate about helping Disabled people live independently? Do you enjoy solving problems, building relationships and providing practical advice that makes a real difference? At Equal Lives, we are looking for an Independent Living Adviser to join our Suffolk Independent Living Service. This rewarding role supports people who use direct payments and personal budgets to arrange and manage their own care and support, giving them greater choice, control and independence.
Your responsibilities:
- You will provide information, advice and guidance on a range of topics including direct payments, support planning, recruiting and employing personal assistants, and managing support arrangements.
- You will work closely with individuals, families, professionals and community organisations to help people achieve positive outcomes and live independently.
What you will need:
- Be passionate about equality, empowerment and the Social Model of Disability.
- Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Can manage a varied workload and respond to enquiries in a professional and person-centred way.
- Have experience or knowledge of HR, recruitment, employment practices or supporting people to employ staff.
- Be confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Can work independently whilst contributing positively to a wider team.
- Have a full, clean driving licence and be willing to travel across Suffolk.
- Knowledge of Direct Payments, personal budgets or independent living services would be beneficial, but training will be provided on our specific services.
Why work for Equal Lives?
Equal Lives is a user-led disability rights organisation working across Norfolk and Suffolk. We are passionate about removing disabling barriers, promoting independent living and ensuring Disabled people have choice, control and equal opportunities. This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support people to take control of their lives, and be part of a team committed to making a lasting difference in our communities.
Closing date: 12 pm, 2 September 2026. Interview date: 16 September 2026.
Independent Living Adviser in Ipswich employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Living Adviser in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at CIH International Housing Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from CIH International Housing Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like CIH International Housing Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at CIH International Housing Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Living Adviser in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to CIH International Housing Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CIH International Housing Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
