At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in maintaining independence and provide day-to-day assistance.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive difference.
- Benefits: Fixed term contract, flexible hours, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of older residents while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Caring nature, good communication skills, and basic IT knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a brilliant and rewarding opportunity to join us as a Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing). This is a Fixed Term Contract/Secondment for 12 months and the role is 18.5 hours per week, across Monday to Friday mornings.
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 crucial in ensuring that we can meet our purpose. 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. 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.
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.
- 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.
You must 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.
Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing) in Waterlooville employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and rewarding work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of older residents. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will receive comprehensive training and guidance from experienced colleagues, ensuring you feel confident in your role as a Support Assistant. Located in the welcoming community of Wakefield Court, Crookhorn, you will enjoy a collaborative team culture that values flexibility and reliability, while also providing opportunities to engage with residents and contribute to their independence and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing) in Waterlooville
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Portsmouth City Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing) in Waterlooville
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Portsmouth City Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Portsmouth City Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Portsmouth City Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Support Assistant (Category 2 Sheltered Housing) role at Portsmouth City Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Portsmouth City Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
