At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations in a housing service, ensuring customer safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Riverside is a unique housing association enhancing lives for 90 years across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous pension, and investment in your personal development.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum role requirements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable individuals, strong communication skills, and flexibility are essential.
Salary: £12.63 per hour
Working Hours: As required
Location: Clarence House, Bedford
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 Casual Support Assistant:
- You will contribute to 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
- Good communication skills and the ability to engage with and respect the needs of vulnerable people
- Excellent team working skills
- Housing sector knowledge
- Strong IT skills to manage and maintain administration and recording systems
- Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements
- Flexibility to cover shifts, sometimes at short notice
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
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
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.
Casual - Support Assistant in Bedford employer: Riverside Group
Riverside is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Bedford, our supportive work culture encourages collaboration and inclusivity, offering competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for personal growth. Join us in enhancing lives and revitalising neighbourhoods as a Casual Support Assistant, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual - Support Assistant in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Riverside Group, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Riverside Group. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Riverside Group's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Casual - Support Assistant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Riverside Group. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Riverside Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverside Group
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Riverside Group.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Casual - Support Assistant at Riverside Group.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Riverside Group that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Casual - Support Assistant role.
