Support Assistant (Category 2.5 Sheltered Housing) - Portsmouth in Southsea

This is a brilliant and rewarding opportunity to join us as a Support Assistant (Category 2.5 Sheltered Housing). This is a Fixed Term Contract/Secondment for 12 months and the role is 22.5 hours per week.

The overall purpose of Sheltered Housing is to provide the right accommodation and support when needed. Sheltered Housing is purpose-built accommodation offering support for people 55 years and over who need support in maintaining their independence. Residents have their own tenancy agreement with Portsmouth City Council and therefore can live independently in their own accommodation but with the reassurance that support is available as needed. There are shared areas in the sheltered scheme in which residents can meet and enjoy some social activities. As a service we take pride in making a positive difference in helping our residents maintain their independence in their homes. The Support Assistant role is a crucial one in ensuring that we can meet our purpose.

You will be working in a Portsmouth City Council Category 2.5 Sheltered Housing Scheme. The current vacancy is at Ian Gibson Court, although you may be required to work in another Category 2.5 sheltered scheme if there is a need. You will be part of a Support Assistant team under the supervision of the Scheme Manager who will provide you with the induction and guidance that you need to gain confidence in the role. This is in addition to other training available to assist you in your personal development.

As a Support Assistant, you will provide residents with day-to-day help according to need. This may involve domestic help or personal reassurance. Where support is needed, you will liaise with care agencies, Adult Social Care, GPs, chemists and families of residents. You will need to be able to deal with any emergencies and on occasions, this will involve assisting some frailer residents with personal care issues, as well as being able to manage challenging behaviour from time to time.

Who is the person?

• Have a caring nature, enjoy talking to people and have good listening skills.
• Have a professional approach to your work.
• Have good written skills and basic numeracy.
• Be prepared to provide domestic help to residents who require support, and in an emergency, with their personal care.
• Be physically able to participate in moving and handling tasks.
• Be a good team worker, have the confidence to work alone and to deal with challenging situations in a calm manner.
• Have basic IT skills - e.g. basic use of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Be flexible and reliable.
• Although mainly working in one scheme, you will be prepared to work in other schemes to meet the needs of the service.
• The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.

More information about sheltered housing can be found on Portsmouth City Council's website.

If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, please contact Jonathon Mackay – Scheme Manager.

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.

If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact the recruitment team.

If you need additional support looking for roles, you may be eligible for help under our Connect to Work programme.