At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals at risk of homelessness in hospital settings with personalised care and housing options.
- Company: Join Cyrenians, a values-led organisation tackling homelessness in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Creative work environment, learning opportunities, and access to wellbeing services.
- Other info: Dynamic role across multiple locations with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help them find stability and support.
- Qualifications: Experience with complex social issues and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join a team supporting people at risk of homelessness in a hospital setting.
The Hospital In-reach service operates across 3 sites in Edinburgh: the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Western General Hospital and the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. The project supports people to complete courses of treatment within hospital, plan for a discharge into accommodation that suits their needs and provide follow-up support to those with the most complex healthcare needs.
A quote from someone who used the service: “You literally saved my life, I was sitting in my bed thinking I have nowhere to stay, and when they tell me to leave I will be on the streets in winter and won’t survive the cold or I would have to start using again and that would be it for me. Then you came into the ward to offer your service and it was like being sent an Angel to look out for me.”
About the role: Working alongside clinicians in the hospital settings, you will provide one-to-one person-centred support to people in hospitals. You will work with individuals to enable them to identify housing options, personal outcomes and priorities for their health and wellbeing and link them to local support services and activities. The role works across multiple hospital sites, as well as community healthcare and accommodation settings. The role regularly involves lone working, with a need to work flexibly across multiple locations on any given day and can be physically demanding.
About you: You will have experience of working with people who are experiencing complex social and emotional circumstances, and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. You will use your excellent interpersonal skills to deliver effective one-to-one work as well as manage relationships with multiple partner agencies. You will be resilient and thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with the ability to respond flexibly.
How we will support you: We will encourage you to be creative and innovative in your approach to supporting people. You will be supported by a friendly and close-knit team, have extensive opportunities for learning, and be a key part of the service development and systems change that makes up the current Health & Social Care landscape. You’ll also have access to wider Cyrenians support, including our learning and development programme and staff wellbeing services.
About us: At Cyrenians we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. We understand that there are many routes into homelessness, and that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to supporting people towards more positive and stable futures. That’s why all our work is values-led and relationships-based.
Inclusion Health Link Worker employer: Cyrenians
Cyrenians is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling homelessness through compassionate, values-led support. Located in Edinburgh, our team fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages creativity and innovation, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth through our learning and development programme. Employees benefit from a supportive environment, access to wellbeing services, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Health Link Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Cyrenians.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Cyrenians!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Cyrenians, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Cyrenians or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion Health Link Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Cyrenians:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cyrenians! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyrenians
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
