At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with daily needs and provide reassurance in a caring environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a supportive sheltered housing scheme.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and develop your personal skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities to work across different schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Caring nature, good communication skills, and basic IT knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
You will be working in a Category 2 Sheltered Housing Scheme. These schemes are in Leigh Park, Crookhorn and Wecock Farm. The current vacancy is at Wakefield Court, although you will be required to work in a nearby Category 2 sheltered scheme if there is a need.
You will be part of a small 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. For example, this may involve domestic help or personal reassurance. Where support is needed, you will liaise with care agencies, social workers, 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.
Skills:
- 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.
- You also need to be flexible with your hours.
- The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing) employer: Portsmouth City Council
As a Support Assistant in our Category 2 Sheltered Housing Scheme, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises the well-being and comfort of our residents. We offer a supportive work culture with comprehensive training and personal development opportunities, ensuring you feel confident and valued in your role. Located in the welcoming community of Leigh Park, Crookhorn, and Wecock Farm, we provide a meaningful work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of others while enjoying flexibility and camaraderie among colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing)
✨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 Portsmouth City Council.
✨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 Portsmouth City Council!
✨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 Portsmouth City Council, 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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing)
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 Portsmouth City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Portsmouth City Council! 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 Portsmouth City Council
✨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.
