Jobs in Pentland Hills, Edinburgh

Do you have the compassion, empathy and drive to support people facing complex health and life challenges?

THE HEALTH AGENCY is a charity based in Wester Hailes dedicated to supporting over 2,000 people in South-West Edinburgh each year to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. As a community-led organisation, our services aim to tackle health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people experiencing social isolation, cancer, long-term conditions, food insecurity and mental and emotional health challenges. We strive to enable local people to take action that makes a positive impact on their own and their community’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

DUE TO INTERNAL PROMOTION WE’RE SEEKING A SUPPORT WORKER to play a vital role across our Westerhaven and Mental Wellbeing services, supporting individuals affected by cancer, long-term conditions and mental health challenges. This is a rewarding and varied role where you will provide one-to-one emotional and practical support, helping people navigate difficult circumstances, build resilience and access the support they need. Alongside direct client work, you will contribute to the smooth delivery of services through strong organisational and administrative support. Your ability to build trust, listen with empathy and respond to complex needs will make a real and lasting difference to the people we support.

DUTIES INCLUDE

• Providing compassionate, person-centred one-to-one support (telephone and in-person)
• Carrying out holistic needs assessments to understand emotional, social and practical needs
• Supporting individuals to develop coping strategies and improve wellbeing
• Providing information, advice, signposting and referrals to appropriate services
• Supporting the delivery of groups and wellbeing initiatives
• Maintaining accurate and confidential client records
• Coordinating appointments, referrals and follow-up activity
• Managing waiting lists and supporting effective access to services
• Collecting data and contributing to monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Building relationships with NHS partners, community organisations and local services
• Contributing to service development and continuous improvement

ABOUT YOU

• Experience working in a community, health or third sector role
• Strong understanding of the challenges associated with mental health, long-term conditions or cancer
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen, empathise and respond sensitively
• Ability to build rapport and support individuals in a person-centred way
• Confident using digital systems, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• An understanding of the impact of poverty and inequality on health and wellbeing
• Empathetic to the aims and values of The Health Agency

WHAT WE OFFER

• £29,000 pro-rata based on 37.5 hours FTE (£23,200 pa for 30)
• 24 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays (pro rata)
• 3% employer pension contribution (NEST)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• A unique opportunity to make a real difference within a respected community organisation

WHALE Arts are looking for a friendly, patient and community-minded Digital Inclusion Lead to deliver our digital inclusion programme, helping local people build confidence with technology and access essential online services.

This part-time (14 hours per week), fixed term post will support WHALE Arts to tackle digital exclusion and strengthen community connections across Wester Hailes.

WHALE Arts is a building-based and place-based community-led charity and social enterprise, founded by local people in 1992. Our Vision is to be the creative heart of a connected community, nurturing imagination, inclusion and wellbeing. Our Mission is to bring people together through creativity, offering opportunities for learning, inspiration and meaningful connections in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Role Purpose

The Digital Inclusion Lead will coordinate and deliver WHALE Arts' digital inclusion programme, supporting people of all ages to develop the skills, confidence and access they need to participate fully in today's digital world.

The postholder will lead weekly digital drop-in sessions and one-to-one support, deliver workshops, work alongside local partners and volunteers, and inspire people to explore the creative possibilities of technology through activities such as film, animation, gaming, digital storytelling and emerging technologies including VR and AR.

Main Duties

• Deliver weekly Digital Drop-in sessions and one-to-one digital support.

• Help people access online services including health, benefits, banking, employment, education and housing.

• Build digital confidence and promote safe, independent use of technology.

• Develop and deliver engaging digital skills and creative technology workshops.

• Support participants to explore creative technologies including digital media, animation, gaming, coding, virtual and augmented reality.

• Build relationships with local organisations and develop partnership opportunities.

• Support volunteers and community-led digital projects.

• Monitor, evaluate and report on project outcomes.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to promote WHALE Arts' digital programmes and maintain digital resources.

Person Specification

We're looking for someone who has:

• Excellent digital skills and confidence using a range of digital devices and online services.

• Experience supporting people to develop digital skills in community, education or voluntary settings.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A friendly, patient and non-judgemental approach.

• A passion for reducing inequality through digital inclusion.

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, supportive team.

Experience of working in community development is desirable, as is knowledge of Wester Hailes and its communities.

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, visit whalearts.co.uk/vacancies.