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.

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives? We are looking for a Support Group Co-ordinator who will deliver the Myeloma UK Support Group Partnership programme in line with the organisation’s overall strategy.

You will have experience of working with support groups and/or volunteer networks as well as recruiting, training, managing and supervising a diverse range of staff or volunteers. The post holder will need to show clear evidence of relationship building and working with underrepresented groups. A key part of the role is understanding the needs of cancer patients and their families and of health inequalities.

You’ll have excellent relationship building skills and an understanding of the barriers that exist in accessing support. You will need the ability to set priorities, work under pressure with great attention to detail and understand and meet the training and development needs of volunteers. Experience of working with haematology or oncology patients and working with a database would be an advantage but not essential.

About the role

The Support Group Co-ordinator will be the first point of contact within the organisation for all Support Group enquiries. You will coordinate the Support Groups Partnership Programme activity, including developing and promotion of the existing Myeloma Support Groups and coordinate the recruitment, induction and ongoing support of new local groups to the Support Groups Partnership Programme

You will be responsible for working with local groups and other local network partners to increase the reach and impact of Myeloma UK, ensuring that partnered support groups operate in line with Myeloma UK guidelines and ensure that they receive consistent information, training and advice.

The post holder will maintain an awareness and understanding of all legislation that may be relevant to the role and develop, maintain and evaluate a training programme for Support Group Leaders as well as moderate and update the Support Group Leaders’ online hub on a regular basis. You will lead the Support Groups’ responsibility for designing and delivering activities in line with our Partnership Agreement so that they are safe, effective and impactful as well as moderate.

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on the incurable blood cancer, myeloma and its related conditions. We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure. Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every person affected by myeloma has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every person living with myeloma, live well, for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture. We offer employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working which includes both home and hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme. We are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees.

For further information please visit our website.

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