Job Introduction
Support Assistant - Category 2 Sheltered Housing
Salary: Band 4 - £24,420 - £25,652 p.a. (£12,210 - £12,826 pro rata for 18.5 hours)
18.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday afternoons
Permanent
Location: Lyndhurst House, Leigh Park PO9 5ED
The overall purpose of Sheltered Housing is to provide the right accommodation and support when needed.
Sheltered Housing is purpose-built accommodation offering support for people 55 years and over who need support in maintaining their independence. Residents have their own tenancy agreement with Portsmouth City Council and therefore can live independently in their own accommodation but with the reassurance that support is available as needed. There are shared areas in the sheltered scheme in which residents can meet and enjoy some social activities.
As a service we take pride in making a positive difference in helping our residents maintain their independence in their homes. The Support Assistant role is a crucial one in ensuring that we can meet our purpose.
What is the role?
You will be working in a Portsmouth City Council Category 2 Sheltered Housing Scheme. These schemes are in Leigh Park, Crookhorn and Wecock Farm. The current vacancy is at Lyndhurst House, although you will be required to work in a nearby Category 2 sheltered scheme if there is a need.
You will be part of a small team under the supervision of the Scheme Manager who will provide you with the induction and guidance that you need to gain confidence in the role. This is in addition to other training available to assist you in your personal development.
As a Support Assistant, you will provide residents with day-to-day help according to need. This for example may involve domestic help or personal reassurance. Where support is needed, you will liaise with care agencies, social workers, GPs, chemists and families of residents. You will need to be able to deal with any emergencies and on occasions, this will involve assisting some frailer residents with personal care issues, as well as being able to manage challenging behaviour from time to time.
For full details of what the role involves please see the job profile attached at the bottom of this page.
Who is the person?
You need to:
- Have a caring nature, enjoy talking to people and have good listening skills.
- Have a professional approach to your work.
- Have good written skills and basic numeracy.
- Be prepared to provide domestic help to residents who require support, and in an emergency, with their personal care.
- Be physically able to participate in moving and handling tasks.
- Be a good team worker, have the confidence to work alone and to deal with challenging situations in a calm manner.
- Have basic IT skills - e.g. basic use of Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Be flexible and reliable. Although mainly working in one scheme, you will be prepared to work in other schemes to meet the needs of the service. You also need to be flexible with your hours.
- The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
More information about sheltered housing can be found on Portsmouth City Council's website:
If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, please contact the Scheme Manager, Rachel Fuller - Rachel.Fuller@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
When completing the application form, please thoroughly tailor your application to the 'Who is the Person' points with the use of examples from your experience. This is really important or you are likely not to be shortlisted. The full job profile is attached at the bottom of this page.
Closing date: 13th March 2025
About Portsmouth City Council
What we can offer you:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
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.
DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800
