At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in a lively shared housing environment.
- Company: Join Cambridge Housing Society, a trusted local provider of affordable housing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days holiday, employee discounts, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Support Officer working at Russell Street in Cambridge. Russell Street is home for 16 people aged between 18 and 65 years old, with a variety of support needs including learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions. It is located in the centre of Cambridge. It is a busy, lively place, providing shared housing with support for people preparing to move on to independent living. It has a satellite project at Norwich Street providing support to 5 people who have moved on from Russell Street to self-contained accommodation.
We strongly believe our colleagues are our greatest asset, which is why we are committed to creating a happy, motivated and diverse workplace. In our 2026 staff survey, 93% of colleagues said they would recommend Cambridge Housing Society as a great place to work making us an employer of choice.
About you
The successful candidate will have experience supporting people with learning disabilities/autistic spectrum conditions, excellent listening and communication skills, an ability to work without direct supervision and to maintain office records and the data management system. You will be encouraging, committed, creative and supportive in your approach. You will be confident and assured and able to respond effectively to opportunities and challenging situations. You will be required to lone work at times and will take responsibility for the service during these times. Working hours will include some weekend and evening shifts. If you have the skills and ability to support and encourage people to achieve their potential, we would like to hear from you.
What we can offer
- Employee discount scheme (retail, leisure, gym membership and fitness equipment)
- Doctor Care Anywhere (telehealth service offering private online GP and nurse appointments via video and phone)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial wellbeing hub - access to advice and support from experts, whether you're budgeting, interested in investing or retirement planning
- Refurbished Tech - access to the latest models at affordable prices, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.
- Cycle to work scheme (salary sacrifice)
- One day off a year to volunteer for a charity of your choice
- 30 days holiday, increasing to 35 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff), depending on length of service
- Holiday purchase scheme - up to 5 days per annum (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Company sick pay
- 58p per mile business mileage allowance
- Refer a friend scheme (£250)
- Contributory pension scheme, which both you and CHS contribute to
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Full induction
- Comprehensive free training and development opportunities with paid time off
- Free DBS (for relevant posts)
- Free onsite/nearby parking
To talk about the role informally please contact David Goodier, Service Manager on 01223 578604. Applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the recruitment process.
Closing Date: Midnight Wednesday 8 July 2026
Interview Dates: Thursday 16 July & Friday 17 July 2026
About Us
Founded in 1927, Cambridge Housing Society (CHS) is an independent housing association with over 3,000 homes in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. We are one of only two independent housing associations working just in Cambridgeshire and we are the only one to offer a blend of affordable rented homes, specialist supported housing and a range of community support services.
Our Purpose
We are here to enable people to flourish, by providing security and creating opportunities through the delivery of high-quality Cambridgeshire based homes with support.
Vision & Values
‘CHS will be a trusted local provider of long term, affordable, secure housing. We listen to our tenants and customers and provide support where needed. We will be entrepreneurial with a social purpose, developing local partnerships and looking for new opportunities to support communities in Cambridgeshire.’
Our Values are: Caring, Openness, Trust.
The way we work – ‘the CHS way’ Flexible, Creative, Respectful, Working in partnership, Focused on the social objective.
Support Officer in Cambridge employer: The Cambridge Housing Society Limited
Cambridge Housing Society is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer extensive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, comprehensive training opportunities, and a focus on personal development, all within the vibrant setting of Cambridge. Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and with 93% of staff recommending us as a great place to work, we pride ourselves on being a leading choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Contact Details:
The Cambridge Housing Society Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Officer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Cambridge Housing Society's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your listening skills! As a Support Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to sharpen your ability to listen and respond thoughtfully.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think about specific examples from your past roles where you've supported individuals with learning disabilities or autism. This will help you demonstrate your skills and commitment during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Officer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions shine through. We want to see your commitment to helping others achieve their potential!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in your application. Whether it's previous roles or volunteer work, we love to see how your background aligns with the Support Officer position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, as this will help us understand how you can contribute to our lively environment at Russell Street.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cambridge Housing Society Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific support needs of individuals with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions. Familiarise yourself with relevant terminology and best practices in the field, as this will show your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your excellent listening and communication skills. Think about situations where you’ve successfully supported someone in a challenging situation or helped them achieve their goals, as these stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, especially those involving lone working or responding to challenging behaviours. Practise your responses to these scenarios, demonstrating your ability to remain calm, creative, and supportive under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in supporting residents. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
