At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower people affected by Parkinson's through personalised support and guidance.
- Company: Join Parkinson’s UK, a passionate team dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Be part of a meaningful project with opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and social care, strong problem-solving skills.
This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK, we want to reach as many people as possible so we can improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. We are looking for people to join our network, make genuine connections, and be part of a larger team that works together to support the Parkinson’s community. People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services.
About the role
Our adviser teams work within local areas providing a wide range of expert information and guidance, via a variety of channels including community settings. You’ll provide a personalised service that enables appropriate levels of self-advocacy and/or advocate on behalf of clients, signposting to other services as relevant. You’ll empower people affected by Parkinson’s, their families and carers to live lives that are as fulfilling as possible and to take an active role in their treatment becoming their own advocate in health and life, wherever possible. This post is part of a newly funded project to reach out to more people affected by Parkinson’s, testing new ways of working in the local area.
What you’ll do:
- Provide in depth, person-centred information and guidance to clients by a range of means, including community settings, and ensuring the most efficient and effective use of resources in line with service policy.
- Recognise and respond to potential safeguarding situations using established procedures.
- Provide information on a variety of health and social care issues, including appropriate emotional support, employment and welfare benefits guidance and advocating with and on behalf of clients.
- Maintain relationships and partnerships with internal and external teams and in a range of settings and ways to achieve the best outcomes of clients.
- Keep up to date with organisational and professional development relevant to your role.
What you’ll bring:
- Background and/or current experience in health and social care.
- Experience of supporting and empowering people with problem solving, navigating the health and social care system and participating in their own care.
- Experience managing a complex caseload effectively and efficiently.
- Ability to be calm and deal effectively with challenging or emotional situations and/or people.
- Demonstrable digital competence, with experience of effective use of a range of tools including online case management systems or similar.
- In depth understanding of Parkinson’s, relevant issues and legislation, in particular in connection with health and social care and welfare benefits.
This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us! Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.
Interviews for this role will be held on 8th & 9th July 2026. The successful candidate will be required to live in the area specified Reading, Wokingham & West Berkshire and be able to travel freely and flexibly around these areas and occasionally further afield without reliance on public transport, provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb, and have a confidential space in which to work. This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.
Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.
Parkinsons Local Adviser (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire) in England employer: PARKINSONS UK
At Parkinson’s UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by Parkinson's. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering employees the chance to develop their skills while working closely with a passionate team in the Reading, Wokingham, and West Berkshire areas. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join us in our mission to empower the Parkinson’s community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parkinsons Local Adviser (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire) in England
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like PARKINSONS UK.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like PARKINSONS UK. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Parkinsons Local Adviser (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps PARKINSONS UK understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at PARKINSONS UK
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show PARKINSONS UK how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community PARKINSONS UK serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with PARKINSONS UK.
