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