Job title: Support Officer

Grade: B3 £26,403 - £28,142

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: 1 position (permanent)

Location: Primarily based at Laurel House, Armley (may be required to work from other Extra Care locations).

INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a B3 Support Officer post to become part of the team managing the council’s Extra Care schemes. You would primarily be based at the fabulous new Laurel House Extra Care Scheme, Armley and would be a part of the Older People’s Service, Housing Leeds. This position will be based at Laurel House, Armley, however there may potentially be opportunities available at other locations under this recruitment exercise.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

In the role of Support Officer you would be expected to undertake regular weekday contact with residents to support independent living; assist with site based activity to support the management of Laurel House (e.g. weekly fire testing and health and safety inspections); work with residents to develop and review support plans and risk assessments, making referrals to other agencies or Council services as appropriate; and updating and maintaining IT systems including Word and Excel on a regular basis to ensure accurate records are kept. You would also be involved in providing a range of activities to help combat social isolation.

You should be able to communicate effectively and demonstrate patience and understanding when dealing with residents. You will need to have some experience of using Word and Excel and recording information accurately. You should be able to communicate effectively and build excellent relationships with residents, colleagues, elected members and other partners.

About the role

Extra Care Housing is different from other older people’s housing – residents with a range of support needs can live in their own home, within a community setting whilst having access to 24-hour on-site care and support. Flexible support and care services allow residents to stay in their home as their care needs increase rather than moving to costly residential or nursing care.

Laurel House is currently under construction as a purpose-built Extra Care Scheme with 65 apartments available for rent. Laurel House is a leading development for the Council in terms of design and commitment to providing excellent quality accommodation for older people across a range of needs.

In addition to the self-contained apartments, there is a resident’s lounge, landscaped gardens, a cafe, activity rooms, and a hair and beauty salon. A 24/7 Care Provider will work in partnership with Housing Leeds at the scheme.

Handover of the scheme is expected in January 2027. It is anticipated residents will start to move in from early February. We would be looking for the Support Officer to assist with the mobilisation of the new building.

The Housing Team based at Laurel House will include a full time SO2 Team Leader, 2 full time C3 Housing Officers and one full time B3 Support Officer. The Team will be supported by the Service Manager and Housing Manager who also oversee Wharfedale View, Gascoigne House and Cardinal Court.

If you are interested in applying for this post, please contact Julie Connell, Housing Manager on 0113 535 0010 or 07891 274615. Email: julie.connell@leeds.gov.ukto request a Frequently Asked Questions document that provides more information about the new Laurel House scheme.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form.

The application form includes 3 questions, please note the following guidance:

For each question we expect no more than 400 words.
Please review all the information provided to answer these questions, including reference to your knowledge, skills, and experience with relevant examples.

Read our guidancefor further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Julie Connell, Housing Manager on 0113 535 0010 or 07891 274615. Email: julie.connell@leeds.gov.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.   

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.  

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To deliver an efficient, customer focused service which maximises performance levels and achieves continuous improvements in all areas of Retirement LIFE housing management services.

Responsibilities

To deliver housing related support to older people living in Retirement LIFE housing schemes and associated floating support schemes.
Undertake regular contact with older people, including visits, telephone calls, email and text messaging to support and enable tenants to live independently whilst promoting dignity, choice and confidentiality.
To work with tenants to develop and review support plans and risk assessments to promote independence in a safe environment - identifying practical, domestic and budgeting support needs.
To assist in providing a range of housing management services to support tenants moving into and leaving Retirement LIFE housing.
To make referrals to other agencies and Council services and advocate on behalf of tenants, where appropriate, and support tenants to liaise with area housing offices.
To ensure the Council’s safeguarding procedures are utilised where appropriate.
To work within Council policies and procedures, including data protection and financial regulations.
To ensure the Council’s health and safety policies are adhered to.
Work flexibly to meet service requirements.
To support the achievement of equality and diversity in both employment and service delivery, including the promotion of equality of opportunity.
To promote and deliver the priorities, values and objectives of Leeds City Council at all times.
To maintain accurate records and track progress of work.
To assist with the induction of new staff including the demonstration of duties.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD Programmes.
To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

None required

Essential Requirements: Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

Skills Required

Ability to communicate with the general public in a responsive manner.
Ability to demonstrate patience and understanding with customers.
Ability to deal with relevant procedures and maintain standard documentation.
Ability to advise service users on relevant procedures.
Ability to work within a team.
Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively face to face, in writing and by telephone.
Ability to demonstrate customer care
To adhere to LCC Financial Rules and Regulations and Standing Orders.
Ability to use computerised systems.
Ability to record and maintain information received from all sources accurately.
To provide a welcoming environment to customers.
To assist other members of staff with duties when required.
A good level of numeracy and literacy skills
Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge of the role of the Council Housing Service and its responsibilities in managing homes and communities.
An awareness of housing and support needs of older people
An awareness of customer care

Experience Required

Of providing housing related support to individuals
Of working as part of a team
Of working with the public

Behavioural & other characteristics required

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours and codes of conduct
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Leeds Ambitions of health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, thriving strong communities, and a resilient sustainable city
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures
Carry out duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality and diversity of Leeds City Council
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Desirable Requirments: Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

Skills Required N/A

Knowledge Required N/A

Experience Required N/A

Behavioural & other Characteristics required N/A

#INT #LI-DNI