Community Link Workers - Across Argyll & Bute x3

G84 7QQ, Argyll and Bute Council

£26,814 pro rata

We are recruiting for 3 new Community Link Workers in Argyll and Bute to cover GP practices in:

Islay and Inner Hebrides
Helensburgh and Lomond
Cowal Peninsula
Isle of Bute

These are permanent positions with flexibility in hours depending on your circumstances and the needs of the service. We can offer a minimum of 15 hours up to 37.5 hours/week for those willing to travel as part of the role.

Ideally you will be located in one of these areas to provide in person support to the local GP practices or be able to travel. Some travel across Argyll and Bute to meet the needs of the service will be required.

We provide a mix of in person appointments from GP practices, home visits, meetings at community based venues and remote support via telephone or an online platform.

Some travel across Argyll and Bute to meet the needs of the service will be required.

With You’s, Argyll and Bute Community Links has been running in 12 GP practices since December 2021. We have had great success in establishing this service and we are now looking to grow our fantastic team to offer support to more people living in remote rural areas of Argyll and Bute.

You can find out more about our successful service by clicking on the Apply button.

You will need an independent approach to your work and the ability to network and connect with services, locally and nationally. You will need to understand the impact of rurality on health inequalities and have demonstrable skills in working with people to achieve their health and wellbeing goals. You will be confident in working with communities to understand local needs.

Our Community Link Workers are uniquely placed third sector workers operating within GP Practices. We bring a unique skill set and a third sector perspective that complements the work of the multidisciplinary primary care team. Through 1:1 appointments, using evidence based interventions and small group work we help people change their lives for the better. It is all about getting the right support to people at the right time.

Common reasons for referral to our service include low level mental health difficulties, problems with housing, poverty, relationships and bereavement.

You can expect a comprehensive induction and training, alongside the support of an experienced team to support you in understanding your role. Our team covers the whole of Argyll and Bute, you will have monthly 1-1 support, 6 weekly reflective practice sessions and team meetings online and in person. We have a supportive team culture and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues.

Required Skills

You will be a compassionate and motivated individual, with the ability to connect quickly with the people we support, treating them respectfully and with dignity. To be successful in this role, you will have:

Knowledge and experience of working with people who are experiencing complex social and emotional circumstances including mental health difficulties
Ability to work in a structured service, to follow a service model and collect information about the impact of the service
Extensive effective interpersonal skills in working with people on a 1:1 basis, including the ability to learn and use recognised therapeutic techniques
Knowledge about the impact of poverty and health inequalities on health and wellbeing
Ability to establish professional relationships with multiple stakeholders; i.e. GP Practice teams, Social Work, Mental Health Services and Money Advice Services
Evidence of creating and maintaining community connections and networking abilities
Experience of working independently, whilst upholding the policy and procedures of the organisation
Ability to organise own workload and appointment system and use time efficiently to deliver a targeted number of appointments

Ideally you will also hold SVQ level 3 Social Services and Healthcare or equivalent but this is not essential. Should you be successful in your application, you will be required to provide 3 years' worth of references and where applicable, will need to undergo an enhanced DBS/PVG check.

Diversity Statement

As an organisation, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our staff. We know that representing the communities we serve is key to us meeting our goals of radically improving people's lives. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team, including people with lived experience, people with disabilities, people from racialised communities, LGBTQ+ people, people of all ages and armed forces veterans.

About us

At We Are With You we work with people on their own goals, whether that’s staying safe and healthy, making small changes or stopping an unwanted habit altogether.

We provide a free and confidential service without judgement to more than 100,000 people a year.

We use our expertise to improve the help available and raise awareness around drugs, alcohol and mental health so that more people can get support.

We Are With You.

Benefits

Competitive salary
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
An extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion of your choice
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
2 days paid volunteer leave per year
Auto-enrollment into We Are With You’s pension scheme
Access to a Blue Light Card - giving you great savings on big high-street and online brands
Flexible working opportunities and access to a range of services and resources to support you with your wellbeing
We have an excellent Refer a Friend scheme which offers you a £500 bonus for any recommendations, any role!

For more information and to apply, click the Apply button now.