Support Worker

Riverside; Penrith; On-site; GBP 27,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading housing association in the UK is seeking a Support Worker to assist vulnerable individuals and improve their lives. The position involves providing support in various areas such as benefits management and personal development. Candidates should have experience working with vulnerable people and be empathetic. This role offers a fixed-term contract with competitive pay and benefits, and promotes a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay & generous pension

28 days holidays plus bank holidays (pro rata)

Flexible working options

Investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Understanding of barriers for vulnerable customers, including complex needs.
• Experience delivering structured support and risk management.
• Competent administrative and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to customers in various ways.
• Manage records and handle some admin tasks.
• Empower customers to manage medication.

Skills

Experience of working with vulnerable people

Team player

Caring and empathetic nature

Resilient and can-do attitude

Ability to work flexible hours

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Support Worker

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2026

Salary: £26,549.63 Pro Rata (£27,722.51 is achieved after 18 months successful performance in the role) Pro Rata

Working Hours: 24 hours per week

Working Pattern: 7-day rota including weekends and bank holidays

Location: Eden Rural Foyer, Penrith

To apply, please attach a current CV and covering letter. If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all essential criteria.

Please note that while we will accept applications for any valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will not issue sponsorships.

The difference you will make as a Support Worker

You will be working from one of our supported services, providing support to customers in a variety of ways such as connecting them with employability coaches, helping manage money, signing up for benefits, or moving to a more permanent home. Your job is to boost confidence and support their journey as they rebuild lives. You will need to keep records and handle some admin. The role can be tough but rewarding. You will need resilience, empathy, and the ability to keep work at work.

About You

• Experience of working with vulnerable people
• Experience of delivering structured support and risk management
• Team player with caring, empathetic nature and resilient, can‑do attitude
• Understanding of supporting vulnerable people – may include own lived experience of homelessness or drug or alcohol addiction
• Ability to work flexible hours, including lone working

Why Riverside?

We’re a housing association enhancing everyday lives for customers. For 90 years, we revitalise neighbourhoods and support communities with homes they need. We manage over 75,000 homes and offer services from homelessness to retirement living.

Working With Us, You’ll Enjoy

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity And Inclusion At Riverside

We are inclusive and value diversity. We foster a respectful, empowered workplace. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability meeting minimum requirements.

Applications may close before the deadline; please apply early.

Role Profile

Supporting Customers

• Lead on co‑producing bespoke support and move‑on plans, involving stakeholders
• Organise and carry out regular planned reviews of support & risk plans, or following an incident
• Engage customers to meet agreed outcomes and develop life skills
• Assist customers with day‑to‑day support and tenancy matters
• Identify and promote opportunities for employment, education and training
• Signpost customers to external support services
• Support customers to be “tenancy ready” for successful move‑on
• Support financial independence through budgeting and income maximisation
• Support and monitor customers’ healthcare needs
• Empower customers to manage medication
• Lead support initiatives including group work
• Ensure customer safety via local safeguarding procedures and escalation
• Record and update clear, factual, accurate, strengths‑based information

Service Delivery

• Facilitate the referral process and assess potential new customers
• Contribute to a housing management service: income collection, tenancy support
• Help maintain safe environment by reporting repairs & health & safety concerns
• Clean and prepare rooms as appropriate
• Resolve difficult situations sensitively and informatively
• Develop and maintain local partnerships for holistic support
• Carry out day‑to‑day admin and operational duties
• Work flexible hours as required; travel to properties; use Lone Worker system
• Ensure customers are safe following Riverside policies: health & safety, safeguarding, GDPR, cash handling
• Deliver role in line with Riverside values – “Our Riverside Way”
• Participate in team meetings, supervisions, reflecting practice sessions
• Undertake training and continuous development
• From time to time, undertake additional duties with Line Manager

Person specification

Essential

• Understanding of barriers for vulnerable and diverse customers, including complex needs
• Experience delivering structured support and risk management
• Team player with caring, empathetic, flexible, resilient, can­-do attitude
• Previous experience resolving incidents
• Initiative and confidence to make and act on decisions
• Competent administrative and IT skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of Psychological or Trauma Informed approaches
• Experience working in challenging environments and prioritising tasks
• Knowledge of current benefit systems
• Experience in a care and support environment

About Us

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not‑for‑profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes. We specialise in supported housing for those affected by homelessness and are committed to transforming lives and reviving neighbourhoods.

Our Values and Behaviours

Creating an Inclusive Environment