Support Assistant

Sheltered Housing provides safe, purpose-built accommodation and support for people aged 55 and over, helping them maintain their independence while having access to assistance when needed. The Support Assistant plays a key role in delivering practical support, promoting wellbeing and helping residents feel safe, connected and supported within their community. Your new role As a Support Assistant, you will help residents to maintain their independence within a Category 2 sheltered housing scheme.

You will provide practical day-to-day support, including domestic assistance, personal reassurance and, in an emergency, help with personal care. You will build positive relationships with residents, identify their support needs and keep support plans and records up to date. You may also liaise with families, care agencies, social workers, GPs and other professionals, as well as respond calmly to emergencies or challenging situations.

Working as part of a small team, you will support the Scheme Manager with building security, health and safety checks, cash handling and the promotion of social activities for residents. Although the vacancy is based at Connors Keep, you may occasionally be required to support another nearby Category 2 sheltered housing scheme.

• Be caring, approachable and enjoy supporting and listening to people.
• Demonstrate a professional, flexible and reliable approach.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with residents and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
• Have good written communication skills and basic numeracy.
• Be willing to provide domestic assistance and, in an emergency, support with personal care.
• Be physically able to undertake moving and handling tasks.
• Work effectively as part of a team and confidently on your own.
• Remain calm when responding to emergencies, challenging behaviour or difficult situations.
• Have basic IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Be willing to work across other sheltered housing schemes when required.
  You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Please read the relevant DBS