VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian - is a carer-led organisation providing a wide range of services to support unpaid carers in their caring role. We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Carer Support Practitioner to join our busy team to provide casework support to carers, with a specific focus on financial wellbeing as part of the Safe and Warm project. Through tailored advice and practical support, the post holder will ensure that carers and the individuals they care for can navigate the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, and safety risks such as carbon monoxide exposure.

The post holder will support unpaid carers to access person-centred support for their caring situation, health and wellbeing and personal development.

The post-holder will be expected to work as part of a team, improve outcomes for carers and maximise uptake of VOCAL services.

Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey.

Applicants will also evidence: experience of delivering person-centred information, advice and support, with some experience in providing information and support on energy efficiency and energy-saving measures; excellent knowledge of health and social care, including key legislation and policy affecting carers; digital competence; and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals, carer groups, partner agencies and professionals.

The Digital and Communications Officer role is a pivotal position within VOCAL’s Communications Team. Reporting directly to the Head of Digital and Communications, this is a fast-paced and varied role requiring excellent communication and collaboration with other team members.

The Communications Team aims to develop and expand VOCAL’s reach to increase carer awareness and identification, promote carer engagement and VOCAL’s services, and to build cross sector partnerships and synergies. The role is multi-dimensional and is responsible for supporting different areas of the communications mix, including: social media, web, design, marketing materials, and email marketing.

As part of their role, the postholder will: support the implementation of VOCAL’s communications strategy; work with teams across VOCAL, and with external partners, to develop content which provides information and advice to carers and key stakeholders; develop VOCAL’s digital presence, monitoring social media platforms, conducting website updates and issuing email marketing communications; and provide administrative support for communications activities.

The successful candidate will evidence: knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite packages (InDesign and Photoshop); knowledge of content management systems to update website content and images; and an understanding of data protection and how it applies to communications activity.

They will also demonstrate: confidence and ability to work on own initiative, as well as take direction; excellent verbal and written communications skills; excellent IT skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and manage a busy workload with competing priorities; good teamwork and a collaborative approach, with the ability to form effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.