Support Worker

Support Worker

Swindon Full-Time 21500 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
R

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals in their journey to independence and manage daily administrative tasks.
  • Company: Riverside is a leading not-for-profit housing association transforming lives for over 90 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, 28 days holiday, and investment in your personal development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people and a caring, resilient attitude are essential; lived experience is a plus.
  • Other info: Flexible hours required; travel to different properties may be necessary.

The predicted salary is between 21500 - 30000 £ per year.

Job Title: Support Worker
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,549.63 per annum (£27,722.51 per annum is achieved after 18 months successful performance in the role)
Working Hours: 37.5 Hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Location: Booker House, Swindon

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.

Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.

The difference you will make as a Support Worker

The Swindon Young Parents service is split across two sites: one in Toothill and one in Pinehurst. We provided strength-based and trauma-informed support to customers aged 16-25 who have become or are about to become young parents. The housing-related support we offer focuses on developing skills in customers so they will become ready to live independently in their own home.

The Support Workers have a regular caseload of their own customers but provide broader support to all customers in the service and travel to both sites will be necessary. Support Workers provide both 1-2-1 support to customers and run larger group activities with a focus on maintaining their homes, tenancies, providing for their families and being good neighbours and tenants.

In addition to support tasks like multi‑agency liaison and advocacy; the Support Workers at the scheme take a lead on ensuring safe homes are provided to our customers and will support customers to raise repairs, keep on top of their rent and service charge, and monitor for Health and Safety issues around the sites.

This role does not include personal care

About you

  • Experience of working with vulnerable people
  • Experience of delivering structured support and risk management
  • To be a team player with a caring and empathetic nature with a resilient, can‑do attitude, able to work as part of a team
  • An understanding of supporting vulnerable people – this could include having your own lived experience of homelessness or drug or alcohol addiction.
  • Ability to work flexible hours to meet customer and business needs, which may not include normal office hours and may include lone working

Why 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
  • 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
  • Flexible working options available
  • 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.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered

Role Profile

Supporting Customers

  • Leading on Co‑producing bespoke support and move‑on plans, involving key stakeholders (e.g. family/other support providers), where appropriate
  • Organising and carrying out regular planned reviews of support and risk plans, or following an incident/significant change in a customer’s circumstances
  • Engaging customers to meet agreed outcomes and develop life skills
  • Assisting customers with day‑to‑day support and tenancy‑related matters
  • Identifying and promoting opportunities for employment, education and training and supporting customers to remove barriers to accessing these opportunities
  • Signposting customers to appropriate external support services, including interventions such as food banks and other community resources
  • Supporting customers to be ‘tenancy ready’ to enable successful move‑on
  • Supporting customers to be financially independent through budgeting plans and maximising income
  • Supporting and monitoring customers’ healthcare needs, ensuring appropriate contact with healthcare professionals
  • Empowering customers to move towards self‑management of their medication by following the medication procedure
  • Leading on support initiatives including Group Work
  • Ensure the safety of our customers by following local safeguarding procedures, recognising and acting on any significant risk, and escalating appropriately
  • Record and update clear, factual, accurate, strengths based customer information on the local or appropriate digital platform

Service Delivery

  • Facilitate the referral process into the service and assess potential new customers
  • Contribute to the delivery of a housing management service, including income collection and providing customers with tenancy‑related support
  • Work with customers to maintain a safe environment by reporting repairs and health and safety concerns
  • Clean and prepare rooms as appropriate
  • Resolve difficult and challenging situations in a sensitive and informed way, balancing the needs of the individual with responsibilities for the safety of the service
  • Develop and maintain local partnerships to provide a holistic range of support for customer
  • Carry out day‑to‑day administration and operational duties

Other Information

  • You will be required to work flexible hours to meet customer and business needs, which may not include normal office hours
  • You will be required to travel to different properties within the defined area as and when required
  • Use the Lone Worker system as and when necessary
  • Ensure customers are safe at all times – carrying out all of your duties within Riverside’s Policy and Procedure Policy and Procedure framework e.g. health & safety, safeguarding, dignity at work, GDPR opportunities, cash handling, etc
  • Deliver your role in line with Riverside company values – “Our Riverside Way”
  • Participate in team meetings, attend regular supervisions and reflecting practice sessions
  • Undertake regular training and take responsibility for continuous development to enable you to deliver your role safely
  • From time to time you may be required to undertake additional duties and responsibilities in consultation with your Line Manager

Person specification

Essential

  • An understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable and diverse customer groups and individuals with complex needs
  • Experience of delivering structured support and risk management
  • Be a team player with a caring, empathetic, flexible and have a resilient, can‑do attitude
  • Previous experience in positively resolving incidents
  • Demonstrate initiative and confidence to make and act on decisions
  • Competent administrative and IT skills (to be able to produce reports and other communications)

Desirable

  • Knowledge of Psychological or Trauma Informed approaches to support
  • Experience of working in challenging environments with the ability to plan, prioritise, organise tasks to achieve results
  • Knowledge of current benefit systems
  • Experience of working in social housing and supported accommodation

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Support Worker employer: Riverside

Riverside is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering competitive pay, generous pension schemes, and 28 days of holiday plus bank holidays. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Riverside fosters a supportive work culture where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in Swindon. The company also invests in personal development and provides flexible working options, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to grow and succeed in their role as a Support Worker.
R

Contact Detail:

Riverside Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Support Worker

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the principles of Psychologically Informed approaches and Trauma Informed Care. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate to us that you are committed to providing the best support for our customers.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the social care sector, especially those who work with vulnerable populations. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could benefit your application.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your resilience and empathy during any interviews or discussions. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your ability to connect with and support individuals facing challenges, as this aligns closely with our values at Riverside.

Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations. We value candidates who can think on their feet and demonstrate initiative, so consider examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved conflicts or supported someone in need.

We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker

Empathy
Resilience
Experience with vulnerable populations
Risk management
Teamwork
Communication skills
Problem-solving
Administrative skills
IT proficiency
Knowledge of psychological or trauma-informed approaches
Ability to work flexibly
Understanding of benefit systems
Conflict resolution
Organisational skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with vulnerable individuals. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in delivering structured support and risk management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for supporting vulnerable people. Share personal experiences or insights that align with Riverside's values and the role of a Support Worker.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your empathetic nature, resilience, and ability to work as part of a team. Mention any experience you have with psychological or trauma-informed approaches, as this is desirable for the role.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Riverside

Show Your Empathy

As a Support Worker, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated understanding and compassion towards vulnerable individuals. This will show that you align with the values of Riverside.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Discuss any previous roles or situations where you've worked with vulnerable people or in challenging environments. Make sure to mention specific skills like risk management and structured support delivery, as these are crucial for the role.

Demonstrate Resilience

The role can be tough, so it's important to convey your resilience. Share stories that illustrate how you've overcome challenges in the past and how you manage stress, ensuring you leave work at work.

Prepare Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how Riverside supports its staff in their development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

Support Worker
Riverside
Location: Swindon
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

R
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>