At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate support to individuals facing health and life challenges.
- Company: Join a respected charity dedicated to improving community wellbeing in South-West Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to meaningful service development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in community or health roles, strong communication, and empathy skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Do you have the compassion, empathy and drive to support people facing complex health and life challenges? THE HEALTH AGENCY is a charity based in Wester Hailes dedicated to supporting over 2,000 people in South-West Edinburgh each year to live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. As a community‑led organisation, our services aim to tackle health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people experiencing social isolation, cancer, long-term conditions, food insecurity and mental and emotional health challenges. We strive to enable local people to take action that makes a positive impact on their own and their community’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
DUE TO INTERNAL PROMOTION WE’RE SEEKING A SUPPORT WORKER to play a vital role across our Westerhaven and Mental Wellbeing services, supporting individuals affected by cancer, long-term conditions and mental health challenges. This is a rewarding and varied role where you will provide one‑to‑one emotional and practical support, helping people navigate difficult circumstances, build resilience and access the support they need. Alongside direct client work, you will contribute to the smooth delivery of services through strong organisational and administrative support. Your ability to build trust, listen with empathy and respond to complex needs will make a real and lasting difference to the people we support.
DUTIES INCLUDE
- Providing compassionate, person‑centred one‑to‑one support (telephone and in‑person)
- Carrying out holistic needs assessments to understand emotional, social and practical needs
- Supporting individuals to develop coping strategies and improve wellbeing
- Providing information, advice, signposting and referrals to appropriate services
- Supporting the delivery of groups and wellbeing initiatives
- Maintaining accurate and confidential client records
- Coordinating appointments, referrals and follow‑up activity
- Managing waiting lists and supporting effective access to services
- Collecting data and contributing to monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
- Building relationships with NHS partners, community organisations and local services
- Contributing to service development and continuous improvement
ABOUT YOU
- Experience working in a community, health or third sector role
- Strong understanding of the challenges associated with mental health, long-term conditions or cancer
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen, empathise and respond sensitively
- Ability to build rapport and support individuals in a person‑centred way
- Confident using digital systems, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- An understanding of the impact of poverty and inequality on health and wellbeing
- Empathetic to the aims and values of The Health Agency
WHAT WE OFFER
- £29,000 pro‑rata based on 37.5 hours FTE (£23,200 pa for 30)
- 24 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays (pro rata)
- 3% employer pension contribution (NEST)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- A unique opportunity to make a real difference within a respected community organisation
Support Worker – Westerhaven & Mental Wellbeing Services employer: The Health Agency
THE HEALTH AGENCY is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative team environment where compassion and empathy are at the core of our mission. As a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals in South-West Edinburgh, we provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing you to make a real difference in the lives of those facing complex challenges. With competitive benefits including a generous leave policy and a commitment to employee wellbeing, joining our team means being part of a community-driven organisation that values your contributions and fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Worker – Westerhaven & Mental Wellbeing Services
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Health Agency.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Health Agency!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Health Agency, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Health Agency or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Worker – Westerhaven & Mental Wellbeing Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Health Agency:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Health Agency! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Health Agency
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
