Scottish Huntington's Association
Scottish Huntington's Association

Charity registered in Scotland SC010985

Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA) is a Scottish charity that was established by families living with Huntington’s disease (HD) in the late 1980s. Experiencing directly the dearth of services available to them, the organisation pursued the goal of setting up specialist family support services and this ultimately blossomed into the development of an extensive network of specialist services.


Current vacancies

Huntington’s Disease Specialist

  • Full time
  • £34,543 – £38,216
  • Hybrid: Paisley
  • Closing 14th August 2026

Are you looking for a role in which you will improve the lives of families in your community? A role that enables you to work differently, build your knowledge and skills and feel valued by clients, colleagues and the organisation you work for?

It’s an exciting time to be part of Scottish Huntington’s Association with the implementation of Standing Tall: A Strategy For Growth 2023 – 28 to transform the care and support of Huntington’s families, expand services, raise awareness and deepen our involvement and support for world-leading research and clinical trials.

We are looking for a Health and Social Care professional to join our nationwide network of Huntington’s Disease Specialists to provide care management, specialist assessment and emotional support to individuals and families across Scotland.

Working in partnership with local Health and Social Care teams, you will also provide advice, training and education to professionals and voluntary agencies involved in all aspects of Huntington’s disease care.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and motivated to have a positive influence on the quality of life of the individuals and families they support. This role is open to medical and health and social care staff from backgrounds such as nursing, allied health, social work and medicine. Professional body membership is essential. Previous experience of Huntington’s disease is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

You should be able to work autonomously in this challenging and rewarding position. Good listening, communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as are excellent time keeping and caseload management abilities. Community-based practice knowledge, a driving licence and use of a car complete our list of essential criteria. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced disclosure check.

Scottish Huntington’s Association is the only charity in Scotland dedicated exclusively to the care and support of individuals and families whose lives are impacted by Huntington’s disease, an incurable neurological condition with severe and complex physical, mental health and cognitive symptoms.

You will find a values-driven organisation, founded by families for families and recognised at national and international levels for expertise in supporting the Huntington’s disease community.

General

All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

The post will be subject to a four-month probationary period.

Out-of-pocket expenses including travel and mileage allowances will be paid on receipt of appropriate claim forms and invoices/receipts.

Shortlist

Financial Wellbeing Service Officer

  • Full time
  • £33,561
  • Hybrid: Successful applicant must be able to travel throughout Scotland as required.
  • Closing 14th August 2026

We are looking for an experienced Financial Wellbeing Officer to ensure families impacted by Huntington’s Disease have support and advice to access their rights and entitlements.

Are you looking for a role in which you will help to improve the lives of families across Scotland? One that encourages you to share your expertise, build new skills and feel valued by colleagues, clients and the organisation you work for?

This is an exciting time to join Scottish Huntington’s Association as we continue to implement Standing Tall: A Strategy For Growth 2023 - 28 to transform the care and support of Huntington’s families.

It comes as the charity continues to build support for its essential work in partnership with statutory and other major funding organisations, a growing army of volunteer fundraisers, and with MPs/MSPs from across all political parties.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated and takes great pride in the work they do. With experience working in advice services to deliver welfare rights, money advice and future planning services to families impacted by Huntington’s Disease in Scotland. You will work with the Financial Wellbeing Service Lead in addition to our HD Specialists and Specialist Youth Advisors across Scotland.

About Scottish Huntington’s Association

People impacted by Huntington’s disease need specialist services to cope with a severe and complex disease, the impact on families and a lack of awareness amongst health and social care providers and the wider public.

Scottish Huntington’s Association is the only charity in the country exclusively dedicated to providing expert and personalised support for those impacted by Huntington’s disease.

Our personalised support reduces unnecessary hospital admissions, supports carers and other family members; lowers household poverty; and alleviates wellbeing risks to children and young people living in Huntington’s families.

We are commissioned by NHS Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships throughout the country to share our expertise with front line staff and build support for improved services and higher standards of care for every family impacted by this devastating disease.

About Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is caused by an inherited faulty gene that damages the brain over time. People with the disease can eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and care for themselves, requiring specialist support from those who understand the condition.

The disease is genetic, meaning it is passed down from one generation to the next. It therefore impacts entire families over generations rather than individuals alone. Anyone with a parent who has Huntington’s has a 50% risk of inheriting the condition from them.

Around 800 people in Scotland are living with the symptoms of Huntington’s disease right now. A further 3,200 are estimated to be at risk of developing Huntington’s disease as a result of inheriting the faulty gene.

What we offer

  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Increasing annual leave days to recognise long service (after 4 years)
  • Contribution pension scheme
  • A flexible hybrid approach to work
  • Regular supervision
Shortlist