Description Job Title: Specialist Support Officer Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £26,397.17 per annum Working Hours: Full Time – 37.5 Hours Working Pattern: Work on a rota basis Monday to Sunday, early and late shifts Location: Clarence House, Bedfordshire If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description. The difference you will make as a Specialist Support Officer We believe in providing care and support to our customers that will enable them to make informed decisions to improve their quality of life: this might be greater independence, better coping strategies or a richer network and sense of self achievement. You will be working from one of our supported services providing support to our customers in a variety of ways. This is a hybrid role that will see you leading on the upskilling of the team in your specialist area. Some of your responsibilities will include: Undertaking group & one to one interventions with clients of a specialist nature (i.e. CBT informed interventions, psychoeducational groups or harm minimisation interventions) Providing a comprehensive support planning service to customers in line with the department’s policies, procedures and approach Making full use of IT & other technologies for appropriate tasks, including the use of word processing, spreadsheets, email etc Participating in cross-service initiatives & projects in relation to their specialist area (i.e. organisational training, reflective case management, WOW projects, peer support groups, etc.) Carrying out assessment to identify and prioritize needs Using SMART goal planning to provide needs led holistic support About You We are looking for someone with: Relevant qualification to be eligible for registration with a professional body, i.e HCPC, UKCP, BACP, etc Knowledge of specialist assessment tools, methods and case formulation. Knowledge of evidence based specialist interventions appropriate for mental health and community settings. Experience of undertaking customer assessments, support planning and key-working with a clear outcome focus Knowledge about recovery model, peer support and coproduction procedures. Experience working in community settings therapeutically, including assessments, designing interventions and demonstrating outcomes. Experience running therapeutic groups. Ability to react to crisis situations in a calm effective way. Basic level of IT skills and literacy Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise workload Ability to communicate effectively in writing including the preparation of letters reports & file notes Ability to contribute to effective team working Understanding of safeguarding procedures for children and adults Why Riverside? One Housing Group is now part of Riverside. At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us. Working with us, you’ll enjoy: Competitive pay & generous pension 28 days holidays plus bank holidays Flexible working options available Investment in your learning, personal development and technology A wide range of benefits Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside: We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Role Profile: Disseminate & advise the local & wider team on changes to best practice & new legislation in regards to their specialist area (i.e. Amendments on ethical frameworks, new research findings and publications, change on procedures and shared best practice) Participate in cross-service initiatives & projects in relation to their specialist area (i.e. organizational training, reflective case management, WOW projects, peer support groups, etc.) Provide support to customers through a Key-worker system: Work on a rota basis, including out of office hours where necessary Comply with all relevant policies & procedures, including but not limited to: Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Customer Care, Equality & Diversity, the Code of Conduct, etc. Carry out assessment to identify and prioritise needs Use SMART goal planning to provide needs led holistic support Develop and maintain positive links with key stakeholders Create an environment that promotes opportunities for customers to develop, learn and enable skills towards independence Where required, administer medication & ensure appropriate records are maintained Undertake group & one to one interventions with clients of a specialist nature (i.e. CBT informed interventions, psychoeducational groups or harm minimization interventions Provide a comprehensive support planning service to customers in line with the department’s policies, procedures and approach Ensure customers are fully informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding the service, and are enabled and empowered to get involved in the running of the service through consultation and participation Set up and maintain customer files and ensure that accurate and up to date records are kept of support provided to customers in accordance with HCS policies including on the IT system Support customers to develop the necessary skills to live independently, and to access training, education and work This job description provides and indication of the role and responsibilities of the post but should not be construed as an exclusive list of duties that the post holder may be asked to undertake. Person specification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential Relevant qualifications to be eligible for registration with professional body, independent of registration status (HCPC, UKCP, BACP, etc.) Knowledge of a range of work procedures and practices which require expertise within a specialism underpinned by theoretical knowledge and relevant practice experience. I.e. specialist assessment tools, methods and case formulation. Knowledge about recovery model, peer support and coproduction practice. Experience working in community settings therapeutically, including assessments, designing interventions and demonstrating outcomes. Strong communication skills including being able to receive complex or sensitive information where persuasive, motivational, empathetic or reassurance skills are required. Ability to write letters, reports and file notes Ability to make judgements and make decisions involving a range of facts or situations where there is more than a straightforward choice of options. Ability to plan and organise own workload and activities for staff and customers. Ability to utilise audit tools to carry out self-assessment of practice Ability to react to crisis situations in a calm effective way. Basic level of IT skills and literacy Strong time management skills and ability to prioritise workload Ability to contribute to effective team working Understanding of safeguarding procedures for children and adults Desirable Experience supervising medication (Preferably) Experience designing and providing training (Preferably) Experience running therapeutic groups. Knowledge of the Housing Sector Ability to represent One Housing to other agencies and companies where necessary Ability to provide regular monitoring information as required