Finding strength through support.

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support.

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups, and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the Engagement Team in Scotland. As this post will cover the Highlands of Scotland, ideally you will be based in that region.

Reporting to the Engagement Lead for Scotland the (Engagement Officer) will raise awareness of stroke and our support offers, engage with key stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the needs of stroke survivors in rural communities across the Highlands to develop a model of approach that can be utilised to reach more stroke survivors and their families across rural Scotland.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Raising awareness of our universal services and resources with stroke survivors and carers.
• Working with both primary and secondary care healthcare professionals, ensuring they know what resources and services are available to signpost patients to, including our Helpline, telephone befriending, online community and activities.
• Listening to a wide network of stakeholders, including charities, healthcare professionals and community networks, to raise the profile of stroke and create a report on identified local needs.
• Gaining a better understanding of the best way to reach and support people affected by stroke in remote and rural communities, informing our work nationally.
• Identifying and recruiting stroke survivors/carers who are willing to share their lived experience and act as Connectors.
• Helping Connectors set up and run novel support services (e.g café groups, cooking classes) in their local community.

You will have experience of:

• Working with and supporting a wide range of stakeholders
• Managing and developing volunteers
• Working with support groups
• Supporting networks
• Working in partnerships with other organisations including those in the voluntary sector, health and social care
• Working in advocacy, campaigning, community engagement and development
• Developing support using co-production with service users
• Collecting data and producing reports
• Being adaptive to best meet the needs of the people we support
• Knowledge of key policies including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), safeguarding and health and safety
• Addressing health inequalities and championing diversity internally and externally
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent communication skills, including confident public speaking skills
• Behaviours and Competencies

This role requires extensive travel across the Highlands. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role.

To fulfil the role, applicants must be based in the Scottish Highlands and have the right to work in the Scotland.

Inspiring Scotland is seeking passionate and proactive Performance and Impact Advisor to join our Delivering Equally Safe fund team. As a trusted partner to funded organisations, you’ll manage a portfolio of organisations to provide tailored support with budgets, delivery plans, objectives, and monitoring impact.

We’re looking for someone with strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, and a passion for social justice and equality. You’ll work within a collaborative team, contributing to the wider Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights team within Inspiring Scotland. We are a collaborative, supportive organisation that places high emphasis on teamwork and sharing best practice and learning, both internally and externally.

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.