Who we are

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia charity. Our aim is to make sure nobody faces dementia alone. We provide support and information to people with dementia, their carers and families, we campaign for the rights of people with dementia and fund vital dementia research.

What you’ll do

You will be responsible for supporting people living with dementia to achieve good outcomes using a range of therapeutic interventions, resources and activities as appropriate. You will also work with the Commissioned Service Lead to complete and maintain high-quality person-centred documentation, assessments and reviews, taking appropriate actions to maintain the safety and wellbeing of those who use the Day Service.

Working as part of the Registered and Commissioned Services team you will have responsibility for ensuring that services are of the highest quality and meet Alzheimer Scotland’s vision for unique therapeutic, highly person-centred support. You will work with the wider team and Commissioned Service Lead to ensure safe practice and delivery of high-quality, person-centred, therapeutic Registered and Commissioned Services, ensuring practice complies with Alzheimer Scotland’s policies. You will contribute to evidencing, reviewing and continually improving the quality of the services and will participate in internal audit and Care Inspectorate inspections.

You will also work with the wider team to evidence that services meet Alzheimer Scotland’s Quality Guarantees, Scotland’s Health and Social Care standards and other quality frameworks including those of the Care Inspectorate where relevant. This includes ensuring that the activities and support offered meet the identified personal outcomes of those attending the services.

You will be based in our Day Services operating from Taigh Shiphoirt, Stornoway which at times, will involve working without supervision in the absence of the Commissioned Service Lead. You will work 9am – 5pm with the usual work pattern of 2 weeks of 2 x 7 hour shift and 2 weeks of 3 x 7 hour shift in the Day Services. Your working days will be set however an element of flexibility will be required at times to ensure the continuous safe delivery of service.

What you’ll have

The successful candidate will have:

• A good understanding and/or experience of working with or supporting people living with dementia and their families.
• An understanding of the benefit of high quality, evidence based therapeutic activity, ongoing evaluation, quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Health and Social Care Standards and SSSC codes of practice and the Care Inspectorate and their role in registered services.
• A can-do, proactive attitude with excellent team working experience and skills.
• Understanding and knowledge of dementia, mild cognitive impairment and Brain Health and experience of working with or supporting people living with dementia and their families.
• A recognised professional qualification in health, social work or related field, to SCQF Level 6 (SVQ 2) or to be willing to work towards.
• You will also possess good administration skills and be comfortable with IT Systems such as Windows, Email, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel etc

Could you be part of something different? We have a rewarding opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of individuals and communities in the Parish of Uist and Barra, which covers the southern part of the beautiful Scottish islands of the Outer Hebrides.

This new post of Outreach and Pastoral Support Worker will aim help the church be outward looking, nurturing connections, raising awareness of what the church can offer and helping people to see it as a place of fellowship and support.

Through bringing your experience in working with church and community groups along with a strong understanding of mission in practice you will make connections with the community and engage them with the Gospel. This is alongside supporting the Minister and Congregation in the care and love for those in need of pastoral support.

This is a full-time role with the normal hours of work being 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE) within an agreed flexible/reactive working pattern. However, to accommodate the right candidate, there is the opportunity to reduce the overall FTE and instead have two part time roles.

It is essential you have the right to work in the UK before applying to work with us. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility to work and remain in the UK if you are invited to attend for an interview.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.