At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals living with HIV through peer support and community engagement.
- Company: Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity.
- Benefits: 37 days holiday, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a progressive team dedicated to public health and social change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and help combat HIV stigma.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups and a passion for improving lives.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Waverley Care is Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity. We provide vital support, advice, and advocacy, empowering people to live well and challenge the stigma and inequalities still faced by too many.
Holidays: 37 days, including public holidays (pro-rata)
Contract: Fixed-term contract to 31st March 2027
Location: Hybrid working from home/office (Edinburgh)
Application Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 29th March 2026
For over 35 years, Waverley Care has worked alongside people and communities affected by HIV and hepatitis C. We deliver inclusive, stigma-free services and influence national policy to tackle health inequalities across Scotland.
While advances in treatment have transformed clinical outcomes, stigma and isolation continue to impact too many lives. Waverley Care exists to ensure that anyone affected by HIV or hepatitis C can live well, with dignity, respect, and support.
About the role
The post of Peer Support Worker offers an exciting opportunity to improve the lives of people living with HIV and plays a vital role in Waverley Care and Scotland’s ambition to reach Zero HIV Transmission by 2030. This post will provide support services for all people living with HIV in the Lothian area, through community-based and peer support interventions focusing on reducing HIV stigma and improving wellbeing.
The role will involve participating in presentations to community groups and organisations to raise awareness of HIV and to enable audiences to better understand what it is like to live with HIV. This includes working in conjunction with clinicians at various health settings to provide accessible peer support. Waverley Care’s peer support training is available for any applicants who have previously not undertaken full peer mentor training.
You will:
- Manage key worker responsibilities for a caseload of service users, who are people living with HIV that need additional support to access treatment and care, maintaining good health, or improve their wellbeing.
- Be involved in the training and development of our peer support services, as well as using their own lived experience to address HIV stigma.
- Work with service users to create a personal plan, using the Waverley Care baseline assessment tool, with identified outcomes and carry out regular reviews of these plans.
- Provide in-clinic peer support to people at different health clinical settings across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
- Provide one-to-one peer support to service users to identify and overcome barriers to improving their health and well-being.
- Facilitate opportunities for one-to-one and group peer support.
- Promote the value of testing to different communities at risk of a BBV and offer BBV testing where appropriate.
- Deliver BBV and sexual health advice and support through support interventions, events and outreach activities.
About You
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual who:
- A demonstrable interest in, and passion for, improving the lives of people affected by blood-borne viruses (BBVs), in particular people disproportionately affected by HIV.
- Living with HIV and experience of delivering peer support, which demonstrated good boundaries and support knowledge.
- Demonstrable experience in working with vulnerable groups, particularly those who are at heightened risk of HIV transmission.
- Able to use their personal life experiences to influence positive change by offering support and guidance to others who might be dealing with similar challenges.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Experience in project activity and leading in an area of work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills appropriate for a wide range of audiences.
- Be a strong team player, able to use your initiative and reflect on your practice.
- Interested in development opportunities and further training.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a progressive organisation at a pivotal moment in Scotland’s public health journey. You’ll have the chance to influence real change, working alongside passionate colleagues committed to making a lasting impact on people’s lives. We offer a supportive working environment with hybrid working options, professional development opportunities and a generous annual leave entitlement.
If you’re excited by this opportunity and believe you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!
Peer Support Champion – HIV/BBV Wellbeing (Hybrid) employer: Waverly Care
Waverley Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals affected by HIV and hepatitis C. With generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional development, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to challenging stigma and improving wellbeing in Scotland. Join us in our mission to reach Zero HIV Transmission by 2030 and help create a future where everyone can live with dignity and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Champion – HIV/BBV Wellbeing (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of HIV and BBV wellbeing, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to peer support. We can even role-play with friends or family to boost our confidence. Remember, showing genuine passion for improving lives can really set us apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express our appreciation. It keeps us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on new opportunities and updates directly from Waverley Care. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Champion – HIV/BBV Wellbeing (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting people affected by HIV and BBVs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference and how your experiences align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve worked with vulnerable groups or delivered peer support.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverly Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand Waverley Care's mission and the challenges faced by people living with HIV. Familiarise yourself with the stigma surrounding HIV and how peer support can make a difference. This knowledge will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Share Your Story
If you have personal experience with HIV or peer support, don’t hesitate to share it. Your lived experience is invaluable and can demonstrate your ability to empathise with service users. Just remember to keep it relevant to the role and focus on how it shapes your approach to supporting others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting someone struggling with their diagnosis. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for this role. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the team, the training provided, or the impact of the peer support programme. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if Waverley Care is the right fit for you.
