An exciting opportunity to join our new Peer Ethnic Minorities Service requires someone to join our West Lothian team on a part time basis in the Peer Support & Development worker role.

The particular focus for this role is to develop creative and innovative ways to reach out and support the people from minority ethnic communities in West Lothian who are most isolated and vulnerable within their community, ensuring people get the help and support they need.

Within this role, you will be responsible for the creation of a minority ethnic steering group involving other agencies and organisations across West Lothian to help improve this service for the community who access it.

You will work in a person centered and strength-based way. One to one support and groups will be delivered in various community venues across West Lothian or on video platforms such as Zoom.

All staff are working in a blended way with access to an office base in Bathgate for essential work, risk assessed community work, and homeworking. Travel is required across West Lothian. Flexibility in working hours will also be expected to meet the needs of people we support.

We are seeking a new member of staff to join our team delivering community mental health and wellbeing services within West Lothian.

Our community mental health and wellbeing service in West Lothian supports people aged 55 and over in a variety of ways to live the life they want to live. Our approach is recovery focussed and works alongside people; drawing on their personal strengths and assets within their local communities.

Extensive travel should be expected as part of this role, and as such a driving licence/access to your own transport would be advantageous.

If you have experience in development work, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing and are passionate about enabling people to fulfil their potential, we’d love to hear from you!

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. We have represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for almost 100 years. Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.

These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

About the Role

The Hive is a SAMH service situated in the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital providing an activity centre and coffee bar for in- patients of the hospital. The Hive is a fun lively place to work, we offer a welcoming space for patients away from the wards where they can get involved in activities and social events e.g. art, clay modelling, t-shirt printing, jewellery making, creative writing, support groups, seasonal events, pilates, yoga, karaoke, quizzes and many more!

If you have creative skills that you would like to share and have some experience of mental health we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will assist in the day to day running of the coffee bar serving drinks, snacks, keeping the coffee bar area clean and tidy in line with food hygiene regulation. They will also be responsible for leading and encouraging patient involvement in activities in the Hive activity centre, this can be providing group work such as exercise (e.g. walking group, yoga), support groups (Hearing Voices, SMART addictions and Self Harm). They will also be expected, to provide activities and events such as arts, crafts and music groups.

The post will also involve promotional and administrative tasks. The post requires flexibility in the hours that you are available to work.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties. PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of qualifications declared on the application form are required.

What we are looking for

Creative and enthusiastic person to work with our small team to ensure a welcoming environment for in-patients. Experience of mental health and associated challenges desirable. Skills and experience in one or more arts, crafts, yoga/pilates, music or support groups is essential. All Hive staff work on the coffee bar too, so a hygiene certificate is essential or willingness to work towards, training provided.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

• Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure costs.
• Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions
• 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)
• 4 public holidays (pro rata)
• 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)
• Team wellbeing budgets
• Workplace pension scheme
• Life Assurance policy
• Employee Assistance Programme

Are you a creative and motivated individual with the passion and drive to support people with a recent diagnosis of dementia to live well in their community?

If so, you can be part of a National Team of Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers (PDS Link Workers) providing high quality, person centered support to people living with dementia and their families for a minimum of a year following diagnosis in line the Scottish Government’s minimum guarantee.

The aim of the PDS National Service is to enable people to live well with dementia and is centered around Alzheimer Scotland's 5 pillar model so that people move on to a period of supported self- management.

The model includes understanding the illness and coming to terms with the diagnosis, peer support, connecting and maintaining links with their community along with planning for future care and decision making to develop an outcome focused plan to support their future hopes, desires and aspirations.

Supporting our Dumfries and Galloway locality, the post will be based within the Community Mental Health Teams. Alzheimer Scotland’s PDS Link Workers are required to be effective team workers and have the skills to build and maintain relationships with colleagues both within Alzheimer Scotland, the NHS and other stakeholders.

Skills in using digital platforms are essential as we use a blended approach to support people that involve some virtual meetings and on-line groups.

Applicants must hold a recognised relevant professional qualification to a minimum of SVQ level 4, have a good understanding of dementia and how it affects people and their families along with excellent communication skills, a warm flexible approach, combined with skills in empathy and relationship building.

In addition, you should have skills and knowledge at the Enhanced Level of the Promoting Excellence Framework or be able to evidence you are working towards its completion.

This post requires a full driving license and access to a car.