Parkinsons Local Adviser (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire)

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.