Patient Support Worker

Visibility Scotland is now seeking to recruit a full-time (35 hours per week) Patient Support Worker to join a person-centred team covering NHS Edinburgh and the Lothians. The post-holder will be primarily based within Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh, but occasional cover at other NHSGGC hospitals may be required.

The role is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2025 (with possible extension for a further year).

The post-holder will liaise with patients, family members, and professionals to ensure that people experiencing changes in their daily lives due to visual impairment receive the correct support at the right time. The post-holder must have excellent communication skills and the innate desire to provide inclusive support to all.

The post-holder will provide emotional support and information, along with practical advice, to patients who are experiencing significant sight loss. As and when required, the Patient Support Worker will introduce visual strategies and aids to help patients maximise their remaining vision and build their independence and sense of wellbeing.

Those accessing the Patient Support Service will be signposted to other services and opportunities as appropriate. A key element of this work is building strong working relationships with all eye department staff to encourage referrals, thereby supporting those seen in the hospital setting with direct and seamless access to a wide range of statutory and community-based support.

The post-holder will be technology-aware and or willing to learn about assistive and accessible technology. The post-holder will organise and deliver informative peer support courses that facilitate and nurture group learning.

The NHS Lothian Patient Support service provides a bridge between the clinic and the community. The Patient Support team enables seamless service provision, referring to other Visibility Scotland services and health and social care services within the community.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a motivated and ambitious organisation. The successful candidate will ideally have a proven track record in health and social care or the willingness and motivation to learn. The post-holder must have a ‘can do’ attitude and a positive team spirit.

A full application pack is available on our website.