GROW Administration Assistant in Carlisle

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract for 12 Months

Salary: £26,227.50 per annum (pro rata)

Working Hours: 18.75 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday‑Friday, To Be Agreed

Location: Carlisle Foyer, Carlisle

Role Overview

Our “Giving Real Opportunities of Work Programme (GROW)” provides employment opportunities to individuals with lived experience of multiple disadvantage (including but not limited to homelessness, the criminal justice system, mental ill‑health and substance misuse) or those with limited work experience. This entry‑level role offers specialised support, training and a structured training programme with the aim to develop skills for future employment. As a GROW Administration Assistant you will work in a homeless service, supported by a Front‑Line Service Team. You will deliver day‑to‑day administrative support, ensuring safe, effective and customer‑focused service delivery within the programme.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day‑to‑day office administrative functions: communicating with customers, processing referrals, handling customer or colleague inquiries, gathering required information, supporting interviews and assessments, obtaining customer feedback and processing administrative requirements such as sign‑posting and referrals to third parties.
• Escalate information that supports service operations in relation to customer key performance objectives.
• Ensure secure handling of data in line with GDPR guidance.
• Assist in delivery of an effective communication and administration system across the specified service area.
• Support the organisation of community events, including bookings, appointments and preparation of documentation.
• Attend and support delivery of community events the service is running or participating in.
• Work with customers to maintain a safe environment, reporting health & safety concerns.
• Ensure customer safety by following safeguarding procedures, recognising risks and escalating appropriately.
• Adhere to health and safety requirements to protect the overall safety and security of the service.
• Attend meetings and provide minute‑taking services.
• Use appropriate group IT systems and record information consistently and appropriately.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary housing and support colleagues on all administrative and operational matters.
• Assist customers to enhance their experience where possible.

Other Duties

• Receive structured support throughout the role, including a development plan, regular one‑to‑ones with the Line Manager and support via the GROW Mentor scheme and GROW Network.
• Use the Lone Worker system when necessary upon completion of the structured work programme.
• Ensure duties are performed within Riverside’s policies and procedures (health & safety, safeguarding, dignity at work, GDPR, cash handling).
• Deliver the role in line with Riverside company values – “Our Riverside Way”.
• Participate in team meetings, attend supervisions and reflective practice sessions.
• Undertake regular training and continuous development to enable safe delivery of the role.
• From time to time undertake additional duties in consultation with the Line Manager.

Additional Information

• Travel may be required to other Riverside locations.
• Exposure to sensitive information requires strict confidentiality.
• Flexible working during operational hours is required.
• Commitment to equal opportunity and promotion of non‑discriminatory practice is expected.

Person Specification

• Lived experience of homelessness, the criminal justice system, mental ill‑health or substance misuse, or limited work experience.
• Understanding of barriers faced by vulnerable and diverse customer groups with complex needs.
• Competence in Microsoft 365 applications and satisfactory writing skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Investment in learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Equal Opportunities

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. Riverside values diversity and is committed to an inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered and heard.