Independent Living support Officer

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 center guests and be a reliable point of contact for tenants, helping to create a warm, inclusive, and well-organised environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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 and handsets, 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
• Support the service of daily lunches and help coordinate special events and activities.
• Take responsibility for building health and safety, including fire safety procedures and reporting maintenance issues.
• Ensure case notes are consistently accurate and up to date using internal systems, while also supporting a range of housing management responsibilities.

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.          

DBS Check

Woking Borough Council takes a robust approach to thoroughly checking anyone who has applied to work with vulnerable groups including children. As 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.

Work Based Qualification – use of levy funds 

Upon successful completion of the probationary period, you will work towards achieving a job specific work-based qualification as part of your ongoing learning and development. (Please include details of qualification, if known)

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.

Who to contact for informal discussion:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Hannah Andrews, Independent Living Team Leader on 01483749325 or email Hannah.andrews@woking.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 1 December 2025 @ 23.59

Interview Dates: 8 - 9 December 2025