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- Tasks: Support kidney patients and their families with practical, emotional, and financial guidance.
- Company: Join Kidney Care UK, a leading charity dedicated to improving lives affected by kidney disease.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, remote work, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Empower patients, advocate for their needs, and be part of a supportive community.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and good communication skills.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until May 2026, with travel across South West Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 30000 £ per year.
Job Description
Job title: Patient Support & Advocacy Officer
Reporting to: Regional Project Manager
Location: Based at home, situated across the South West Scotland region including regular travel to assigned renal units in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway
Hours: 17.5 hour per week. Must be sufficiently flexible to work irregular hours as demanded by the requirements of the post.
Contract: Fixed term post until the end of May 2026
Salary: £28,629 pa full time equivalent
An opportunity to provide practical, emotional, and financial support for anyone affected by chronic kidney disease. You will engage with kidney patients, their families, and carers as a source of information, support, and advocacy, in order to improve care and wellbeing outcomes for patients.
This may be in the hospital or other care setting, on the phone, online or face-to-face in a mutually acceptable public place.
The role will cover the main renal units and satellite dialysis units across your designated area in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway. Frequent travel and attendance is expected at some sites.
Responsibilities
• With support, establish the Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Service in the region so patients, their families, carers and professionals to access independent support on social, financial, health advocacy and wellbeing
• Be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Patient Support & Advocacy Service across the region and the effective management of a caseload. This involves regular attendance at renal clinics in the region, building relationships with health and care professionals and being available for patients in the renal unit, on the phone or online, or to meet at a mutually convenient public location
• To support patients to build the skills and confidence needed to positively navigate the challenges presented by health, social care, benefits, and financial support pathways, and to overcome barriers and promote independence
• To support patients to connect with services to ensure that they are engaged in shared decision making and that their voice is central to shaping the care and support they receive
• To raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefits of the Patient Support & Advocacy Service amongst kidney patients, their families, carers, and professionals across the region
• To be a primary source of, or gateway to, local information and access to:
◌ Kidney Care UK Money & Energy Advice services, supporting income maximisation
◌ Kidney Care UK Patient Grants programme, raising awareness of the programme and supporting applications
◌ Kidney Care UK Counselling Service and other appropriate services to meet patients emotional and psychological needs
◌ Reliable and accurate patient information relating to kidney disease, patient pathways, models of care, and patient choice
◌ Benefits and finances, including employment, housing, and grants from charities including Kidney Care UK benefits and welfare service
• To provide insight on patients’ concerns and unmet needs to inform Kidney Care UK research, campaigns, and new service development activity
• To maintain patient records to allow effective reporting on key performance indicators about patient activity and service outputs
• Identify and create relationships with key services and professionals across the region, to ensure patients, their families, and carers can easily access the Patient Support & Advocacy Service
• To work in a way that respects the personal, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual and maintains the confidentiality of information they may have shared with you
Patient Support & Advocacy Officer (South West Scotland) employer: Kidney Care UK
Contact Detail:
Kidney Care UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Support & Advocacy Officer (South West Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges faced by kidney patients in South West Scotland. Understanding their needs will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to advocacy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local health professionals and organizations involved in kidney care. Building these relationships can provide you with valuable insights and references that may strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in providing emotional and practical support. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped individuals navigate complex health or social care systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility and willingness to travel across the region. Highlight any previous roles where you adapted to changing schedules or worked in various locations, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Support & Advocacy Officer (South West Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Patient Support & Advocacy Officer position. Understand the responsibilities and the skills required, especially in relation to supporting patients with chronic kidney disease.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in patient support, advocacy, or healthcare. Emphasize any previous roles where you engaged with patients or worked in a similar environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for patient advocacy and your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with chronic kidney disease. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, emphasize your communication skills, both written and verbal. Highlight experiences where you successfully interacted with patients, families, or healthcare professionals, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kidney Care UK
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the Patient Support & Advocacy Officer position. Familiarize yourself with chronic kidney disease and the support services available, as this will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
Since the role involves providing emotional and practical support to patients and their families, be prepared to discuss your experience in empathetic communication. Share examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations, highlighting your ability to listen and respond effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
This position requires flexibility in working hours and travel across the region. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the role, including attending renal units and meeting patients in various settings.
✨Prepare Questions
Demonstrate your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions for the interviewer. Ask about the current challenges faced by the Patient Support & Advocacy Service, or inquire about opportunities for professional development within the organization.
