Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established team, providing visiting support to Norwich City council sheltered housing tenants.
There are two permanent full time roles, and a further option of a 12 month fixed-term contract
We have 26 sheltered housing schemes across the city for people aged 60 and over. Our support officers assist people to maintain and build their skills helping them remain living independently at home for longer.
You will need to have a positive, outgoing manner, an interest in older people and the ability to work with partners (both internal and external) to ensure that tenants have the support they need.
Whilst you will spend the majority of your time based on site at the sheltered housing schemes, you will also be required to attend meetings / training at City Hall.
Responsibilities
* The aim of the sheltered housing team is to support sheltered housing tenants to live independently and manage a successful tenancy, liaising with other organisations such as health, social care, voluntary sector organisations and other areas of the council to achieve this.
* Work with older people to carry out support needs assessments and work with partner agencies to ensure appropriate levels of housing, health and social care support is facilitated to them.
* Develop outcome-based support plans and monitor and review to ensure agreed outcomes are achieved.
* Enable older people to maximise their income by assisting them to apply for, or sign post them to welfare benefits they may be entitled to.
* Reduce isolation by encouraging tenants to participate in scheme activities, or sign posting them to community activities they be of interest and/or benefit to them.
* Take responsibility for keeping up to date with changes to services that are of benefit to the client group and maintain a range of knowledge that will enable you to sign post and support tenants appropriately by ensuring they are aware of the choices available to them.
* Provide older people, their families and carers with information about a wide range of services and/or social activities that will help them maintain their well-being and independence.
* Use initiative to independently manage emergencies, and support tenants and families to deal with crisis, including deaths.
* Maintain a positive approach to change and develop, by demonstrating a willingness to change and adopting a ‘can do’ approach to challenges.
* Assist colleagues to learn by sharing best practice, being willing to coach, shadow and mentor as necessary.
Qualifications
* Understanding the varying needs of older people and the range of care and support services available.
* Understanding of community resources and how these can be accessed.
* Understanding of the principals of safeguarding.
* Understanding of the issues supporting tenants to use shared facilities.
* Understanding of the importance for older people of promoting and maintaining their independence.
* Knowledge of diversity and equality and how this may impact delivering housing support services to the client group.
* Health and safety at work act.
A minimum of one year’s experience of working in a health, social care, housing or a voluntary environment supporting vulnerable people.
Experience of carrying out needs and risk assessments to identify peoples support needs and how these might be met.
Designing, completing and reviewing of care/support plans with tenants and their relatives/advocate.
Working in an environment promoting a safe environment for staff and customers.
Good IT skills and use ofmobile technology.
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