At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals, ensuring their safety and wellbeing in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Riverside, a leading not-for-profit housing association with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, investment in personal development, and diverse benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles and basic IT skills; empathy is key.
The predicted salary is between 27100 - 27100 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,227.50 per annum (pro rata £20,982)
Working Hours: 30 hours per week, part time
Working Pattern: Working shifts on a 7‑day rolling rota including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Location: Marie House, Wakefield
Please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. Riverside recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all essential criteria. We will accept applications from anyone with valid legal permission to work in the UK; Riverside does not hold a sponsorship licence.
The difference you will make as a Support Assistant
Key responsibilities include ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our accommodation. Duties involve client support, incident logging, and room preparation. Work with a range of needs, manage communications with GP, Social Services, benefits teams, emergency services, and complete administrative tasks.
About you
- Experience of working with people in a customer‑facing environment
- Understanding of supporting vulnerable people – may include lived experience of homelessness or substance misuse
- Basic administrative and IT skills with attention to detail
Why Riverside?
Riverside is a housing association with a 90‑year history of revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities. We offer a portfolio of over 75,000 homes and a range of services from homelessness to retirement living. Benefits include:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Investment in learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside
Riverside values diversity and fosters an inclusive workplace. We are a Disability Confident Employer and operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants declaring a disability.
Role Profile
- Support customers using Psychologically Informed and Trauma Informed Care principles
- Assist in planning and delivery of personalised support and move‑on plans
- Understand risk management and organise regular reviews
- Inspire and motivate customers towards outcomes and life skills
- Assist with day‑to‑day support and tenancy matters
- Identify opportunities for employment, education and training
- Signpost to external support services
- Support customers to be tenancy ready and financially independent
- Maintain confidential records on the digital platform
- Promote customer involvement and consultation
- Deliver group work sessions
- Deliver a support service
- Support referral process for new customers
- Contribute to housing management service (income collection, tenancy support)
- Maintain a safe environment and report repairs or health & safety concerns
- Prepare rooms as appropriate
- Resolve difficult situations sensitively, balancing individual needs and safety
- Follow local safeguarding procedures and act on risks
- Maintain partnerships for holistic support
- Carry out day‑to‑day administration and operations
- Maintain financial administration systems
- Submit information returns on funding, health & safety, performance
- Act as point of contact on the phone and reception enquiries
Other Duties
- Work flexible hours outside normal office hours
- Use Lone Worker system as required
- Ensure safety within Riverside’s policies (health & safety, safeguarding, GDPR, etc.)
- Deliver role in line with Riverside company values
- Participate in team meetings, supervision and reflective practice sessions
- Undertake regular training and continuous development
- May undertake additional duties in consultation with Line Manager
Additional Information
- Travel may be required to other locations
- Handle sensitive information with confidentiality
- Work flexibly during operation hours
- Commit to equal opportunities and non‑discriminatory practices
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge & Experience
- Understanding barriers faced by vulnerable and diverse customer groups and individuals with complex needs
- Experience working in a team and communicating positively
- Organising tasks and planning in a people‑focused environment
- Team player with caring, empathetic, flexible, resilient, can‑do attitude
- Initiative and confidence to make decisions
- Basic administrative and IT skills
Desirable
- Experience with vulnerable and diverse customer groups or individuals with complex needs
- Personal lived experience of homelessness, rough sleeping, mental health or substance misuse
About Us
Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not‑for‑profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes. We specialise in supported housing services for those affected by homelessness and are committed to building over 15,000 homes in the next decade.
Support Assistant in Castleford employer: The Riverside Group
Riverside is an exceptional employer, dedicated to revitalising communities and supporting vulnerable individuals. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive pay, and a diverse, inclusive work culture, staff at Marie House in Wakefield enjoy meaningful work that makes a real difference. The organisation prioritises personal growth through training opportunities and offers a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Assistant in Castleford
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at The Riverside Group. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like The Riverside Group directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on The Riverside Group’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Assistant in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Support Assistant at The Riverside Group, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Support Assistant, customise your documents to fit the vibe of The Riverside Group. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Riverside Group
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of The Riverside Group. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with The Riverside Group's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
