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 an additional 12‑month fixed‑term contract.
We have 26 sheltered housing schemes across the city for people aged 60 and over. Support officers assist people to maintain and build their skills, helping them remain living independently at home for longer.
Job Description
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.
Responsibilities
* 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 are 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 signpost them to, welfare benefits they may be entitled to.
* Reduce isolation by encouraging tenants to participate in scheme activities, or signpost them to community activities that may 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 signpost and support tenants appropriately.
* 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.
Skills Required
* 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 principles 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.
* Knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act (or relevant regulations).
Educational Requirements
* Minimum of one year’s experience working in a health, social care, housing or voluntary environment supporting vulnerable people.
* Experience of carrying out needs and risk assessments to identify peoples’ support needs and how these might be met.
* Experience designing, completing and reviewing care/support plans with tenants and their relatives/advocates.
* Experience working in an environment that promotes a safe environment for staff and customers.
* Good IT skills and use of mobile technology.
Benefits
* All employees eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
* Additional statutory day leave at Christmas.
* Occupational health and employee assistance support.
* Competitive pay and benefits package.
* Living Wage accreditation.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.
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