Independent Living support Officer

Woking Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a proactive Independent Support Officer to support individuals in Extra Care housing. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring residents can live independently and confidently. Responsibilities include providing responsive support, managing tasks, and fostering a welcoming environment. The position offers a full-time contract in a caring setting, ideal for those passionate about community support.

Benefits

Generous flexi time scheme

Local government pension scheme

Discounted health and leisure membership

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills to support residents effectively.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Experience in working with vulnerable groups is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide responsive support to residents and address queries.
• Manage practical tasks like payments and transport bookings.
• Support the smooth running of communal areas and events.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Customer Service

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about empowering individuals to live independently within Extra Care housing? Do you thrive in a customer-focused environment where collaboration and compassion are the core of everything you do? We’re looking for a proactive, empathetic and dedicated Independent Support Officer to join our Living Well Team.

As an Independent Support Officer you’ll play a vital role in the day-to-day running of our Extra Care scheme, supporting residents to live independently and confidently in their own homes. You’ll be a welcoming presence for day centre guests and a reliable point of contact for tenants, helping to create a warm, inclusive and well-organised environment.

Responsibilities

• Providing responsive support to residents, helping with queries and signposting to relevant services and partners.
• Managing practical tasks such as taking payments, booking transport, making appointments and handling deliveries.
• Carrying out essential administrative duties including answering phones, maintaining records and assisting with general office operations.
• Supporting the smooth running of communal areas including the café, lounge, dining room and associated activities.
• Serving daily lunches and organising special events.
• Creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors and ensuring the building remains a safe and friendly space.
• Supporting the service of daily lunches and helping coordinate special events and activities.
• Taking responsibility for building health and safety, including fire safety procedures and reporting maintenance issues.
• Ensuring case notes are consistently accurate and up to date using internal systems, while also supporting a range of housing management responsibilities.

Benefits

The Council offers 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.

Requirements and Compliance

DBS Check: Woking Borough Council takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who has applied to work with vulnerable groups. This job involves contact with vulnerable groups; successful applicants will be required to obtain a Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Assistance will be given by the Council and further details can be found in the job pack.

English Language Requirement: The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for this post. An assessment may be required. If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further please contact the Human Resources team.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Statement: Surrey is included in the Local Government Reorganisation plans with new unitary councils expected to be established by April 2027. Woking Borough Council remains committed to delivering high-quality services to residents throughout this period of change. While we understand that applicants may feel uncertain about joining us during this transition it is anticipated that most employees will transfer to the new unitary councils. This reorganisation may also present new career development opportunities across the region.

UK Visa Sponsorship: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.

AI Use in Applications: We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications. All submitted information—whether supported by AI or not—must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience and qualifications. Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.

How to apply

Who to contact for informal discussion : For an informal discussion about the role please contact Hannah Andrews, Independent Living Team Leader, on or email.

Closing Date : Monday 1 December 2025 @ 23.59

Interview Dates : 8 – 9 December 2025

Required Experience : Unclear Seniority

Key Skills : Anti Money Laundering, Gas Turbine, Animation, Investigation, ITI, Blogging

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1