Parkinson\'s Local Adviser - South East in Slough

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Respond to enquiries through a range of channels and areas based on service need, keeping accurate, up-to-date online client records in line with practice.
• Make best use of time in providing an effective client service.
• 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 support, employment and welfare benefits guidance and advocating with and on behalf of clients.
• Answer client enquiries professionally using a jargon-free approach and within established timescales.
• Maintain relationships and partnerships within 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.

This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience of providing health and social care information through a range of channels.
• Well-developed telephone skills including active listening and questioning.
• Experience of supporting and empowering people with problem solving, navigating the health and social care system and participating in their own care.
• 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.
• Commitment to working within the principles of equal opportunities, live in the area specified of Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead and Bracknell 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 2 Mb.
• Have a confidential space in which to work.

Imagine not being able to move, sleep, or smile. Feeling anxious or depressed and struggling to think or remember. Your body not feeling like your own. This is what Parkinson's can feel like. Your mum, son or friend. Anyone can get Parkinson's, young or old. Every hour, two more people are diagnosed. Parkinson's is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there's no cure. Yet. But we're close to major breakthroughs. Funding the right research into the most promising treatments, we get closer to a cure every day. Until then, we're here for everyone affected by Parkinson's. Fighting for fair treatment and better services. We are Parkinson's UK. Powered by people. Together we'll find a cure. Join us.