Young Onset Post Diagnostic Support Link Worker - Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire

Contract: 1 position, full time (35 hours, would consider 2 x part time (17.5 hours) posts. Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2023 in the first instance with the possibility of extension

Location: TBC

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and creative individual with the passion and drive to support people with a recent diagnosis of young onset dementia to live well in their community.

You will be part of a National Team of Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers (PDS Link Workers) providing high-quality, person-centred support to people living with young onset dementia and their families for a minimum of a year following diagnosis in line the Scottish Government’s minimum guarantee.

As part of this team, you will provide a support in a range of ways including 1:1 support and peer support groups, to people living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia and their families. You will identify and work closely with existing services who offer services to people living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia and their families and actively contribute to the development of a service sector that is responsive to and can meet the needs of people living with young onset dementia and their families.

The aim of the PDS National Service is to enable people to live well with dementia and is centred around Alzheimer Scotland's 5 pillar model so that people move on to a period of supported self- management.

The model includes understanding the illness and coming to terms with the diagnosis, peer support, connecting and maintaining links with their community along with planning for future care and decision making to develop an outcome focused plan to support their future hopes, desires and aspirations.

Supporting our Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire localities, the post will be based within the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire localities Alzheimer Scotland’s PDS Link Workers are required to be effective team workers and have the skills to build and maintain relationships with colleagues both within Alzheimer Scotland, the NHS and other stakeholders.

Skills in using digital platforms are essential as we use a blended approach to support people that involve some virtual meetings and on-line groups.

Applicants must hold a recognised relevant professional qualification, have a good understanding of dementia and how it affects people and their families along with excellent communication skills, a warm flexible approach, combined with skills in empathy and relationship building.

In addition, you should have skills and knowledge at the Enhanced Level of the Promoting Excellence Framework or be able to evidence you are working towards its completion.

This post requires a full driving license and access to a car.

For a full job description, please click apply where you will be redirected to our website to fill out an online application form. Applicants must complete the form on our website to be considered for this role. CV applications will not be considered.

The successful candidate for this post will be subject to a criminal check through Disclosure Scotland.

Interview date: Week Beginning Monday 24 October 2022