Community Support Worker

Visibility Scotland is now seeking to recruit a full-time (35 hours per week) Community Support Worker to provide support to visually impaired people living in Kirkcudbright, Newton Stewart, Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas and Stranraer.

Due to the large geographical area covered by the post, a clean driver’s licence and access to a car are essential.

The role is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2025. 

About the community project

Visibility Scotland delivers community projects that aim to increase independence for those living with a sensory impairment. By taking our wide range of support services out into the local community, we ensure that everyone with a sensory loss, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from all support services. The Out and About project is a one-year pilot project funded by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership.

This post is key to the success of our work in Dumfries and Galloway. The Community Support Worker will be part of Visibility Scotland’s holistic team, which works with people with sensory impairment.

Who we are looking for

Due to the nature of this post, the Community Worker will be multi-skilled and confident in building relationships with people at all levels. A resourceful, flexible approach is necessary, with the ability to listen and build a rapport with service users and professionals alike, while managing a heavy caseload and a variety of demands.

We need someone with a ‘can do’ attitude. Some evening and weekend work may be required at times.

About the role

The role is a multi-faceted one. The two main strands are:

• Information and wellbeing
• Building confidence to get out and about in the community

You can expect to:

• support people to understand the sight loss pathway
• deliver information to visually impaired people and their families in an easy-to-understand way
• make appropriate referrals to community and national organisations
• teach people to develop the skills that will maximise their remaining vision and help to maintain their independence
• demonstrate and advise on assistive technology.

You should have:

• Experience in providing support to vulnerable adults in the community or care setting
• Experience in developing and delivering community projects
• Experience in supporting people with specific vulnerabilities, for example – disabled people.
•  A high degree of written and verbal skills.
• The ability to communicate well with a wide range of people.
• Good presentation/public speaking skills.
• The ability to network and build links with other organisations.
• The Ability to work independently, on own initiative.
• The Ability to work in a team.
• Good project management and organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and prioritise work and input to project reporting.

We need someone who is:

• Self-motivated and has strong problem-solving skills.
• IT literate and competent in use of Microsoft Office applications, databases and virtual platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams).
• Has experience in networking with professionals and raising awareness of services.

A full job description, person specification and application pack are available on our website.

Please note: The closing date has been extended to 6 May 2024. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 20 May 2024 in Dumfries. CV applications will not be accepted. Previous applicants need not reapply.