At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals living with HIV through practical, emotional, and social assistance.
- Company: Join Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, a leading health provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advocating for HIV awareness and reducing stigma.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Health or related field; experience with HIV care is a plus.
- Other info: Welsh speakers are encouraged to apply; applications from those living with HIV are welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 30718 - 36790 £ per year.
We are a dedicated and compassionate team committed to providing high-quality care to people living with HIV. We offer multidisciplinary care, as well as support, education, and advocacy to those affected by HIV. We maintain a person-focused approach that supports engagement and optimises outcomes for people living with HIV.
As an HIV Support Worker, you will be responsible for providing practical, emotional, and social support to individuals living with HIV. You will be confident in delivering support to people living with complex needs and will have, or be able to develop, a good knowledge of local services across Cardiff and Vale, both statutory and voluntary. You will assist individuals in managing their health, navigating healthcare services, and improving their overall well-being. You will be able to work autonomously and flexibly, with good problem-solving skills which enable timely and bespoke support. You will be an advocate for people living with HIV, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need, and helping to reduce HIV stigma. You will take a lead on improving engagement and outreach within the service and will work proactively with our partners and stakeholders, including people living with HIV.
Main duties of the job:
- Provide one-on-one support and advocacy to individuals living with HIV, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs; working flexibly within and outside the clinic, as well as virtually as required.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records.
- Work within clinic and social multidisciplinary teams to plan and provide holistic care and support for people living with HIV who have complex needs and/or face barriers to engagement.
- Identify people who are eligible for support, create and review care plans, and deliver support in accordance with these.
- Contribute to data collection and audit as part of the monitoring and evaluation of this work.
- Assist individuals with accessing healthcare, medications, and other necessary health services.
- Offer practical support, including assistance with housing, benefits, immigration and other social needs.
- Provide emotional and psychological support, helping individuals to manage the challenges associated with living with HIV, particularly stigma.
- Engage with local support groups and provide information on living well with HIV, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
- Collaborate with local and regional partners and stakeholders, to deliver training and education and to drive forward improvements in the support provided for people living with HIV.
- Maintain a focus on outcomes and ensure that well-being and safeguarding are at the centre of the work.
About us:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 15,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving around 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services.
Our mission is "Caring for People, Keeping People Well", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. As an organisation we are unashamedly ambitious for our population's health, rising to the challenges of today and tomorrow through our 10-year strategy, Shaping our Future Wellbeing. We are contributing to a healthier Wales with great emphasis placed on innovation and improvement, learning from around the world and leading the way in clinical research. Partnership working is strong at Cardiff and Vale, and we work closely with our staff and our community.
Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, is a fantastic city to live and work in with an abundance of sports, arts and cultural attractions. Situated to the west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a combination of beautiful Welsh countryside and a dramatic natural coastline. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.
We are keen to hear from candidates with experience of working in health, social care, education, third sector or welfare services. Previous experience as a peer navigator / peer supporter would be advantageous for this role.
Qualifications:
- Post graduate qualification in Health or related field
- Awareness and Understanding of Sexual Health agenda in Wales
- Experience of HIV and / or Sexual Health care
- Evidence of continued professional development
Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- IT skills
- Ability to manage own workload effectively
- Effective change management
Other:
- Ability to travel in a timely manner
- Positive role model
HIV Specialist Support Worker employer: NHS
Contact Detail:
NHS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HIV Specialist Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local services in Cardiff and Vale that support individuals living with HIV. Understanding the resources available will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local support groups or organisations focused on HIV awareness and advocacy. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to work autonomously and flexibly, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest developments in HIV care and support. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in the field will not only enhance your understanding but also impress potential employers during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace HIV Specialist Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the HIV Specialist Support Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in health, social care, or support roles, particularly those related to HIV or vulnerable populations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to provide practical and emotional support.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure your application reflects your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in past roles.
Personal Statement: Craft a compelling personal statement that conveys your passion for supporting individuals living with HIV. Discuss your understanding of the challenges they face and how you can contribute to improving their well-being and reducing stigma.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS
✨Show Your Passion for HIV Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting individuals living with HIV. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Local Services
Familiarise yourself with local services available in Cardiff and Vale that support people living with HIV. Being able to discuss these resources during your interview will show that you are proactive and understand the community's needs.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, especially in health or social care settings. This will illustrate your ability to provide timely and bespoke support to individuals with complex needs.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working within multidisciplinary teams, be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Highlight instances where teamwork led to improved outcomes for clients, showcasing your ability to engage with various stakeholders.