Independent Living Officer

Would you like the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives? Are you motivated to help residents needing support?  Can you work with a heavy work load in challenging areas?  Can you work on your own, visiting elderly residents?

The role of the Independent Living Officer is part of a team dedicated to helping tenants in need of support to help them remain independent in their homes.  You will need to be able to identify, assess, enable and provide support to elderly, disabled or vulnerable residents to enable them to live independently as long as possible, and help to improve their health and wellbeing. You will be responsible for all residents in housing sheltered schemes and help with signing up new tenants, dealing with tenants who leave.

The post will involve coordinating support for the residents and helping to sign post to other agencies and help within the voluntary, faith and community sectors.  You will help residents to access activities and events in the community to improve their wellbeing and reduce isolation. In addition, you will assist residents being discharged from hospital to have a smooth and timely return home, and also assist those wishing to move to more appropriate accommodation for their needs where there is no family or carers to help.

You will need to be practical and an effective communicator who can think on their feet. You will need to have experience of working with or supporting older or disabled people and be able to show understanding and empathy of their needs and problems. You will need to have good collaborative working skills to be successful in this role as you will be working with a wide range of partners.  The role is varied, with flexibility needed. Candidates must have a clean driving license as travel to homes is necessary.

The Council offers in return a generous flexi time scheme with the ability to take two flexi days a month, membership of the local government pension scheme, discounted health and leisure membership, plus many more excellent benefits.          

For an informal chat about the role please contact the Independent Living Manager michelle.chilcott@woking.gov.uk or Independent Living Team Leader Hannah.andrews@woking.gov.uk 

Closing date: 18 June 2024

Interview date: 27 June 2024