Patient Support & Advocacy Officer, South West Scotland

Are you a good listener, a problem solver, someone prepared to go the extra mile for patients living with kidney disease? 

We have a very exciting opportunity for anyone who enjoys working on the front-line of patient support across the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway area.

This role will deliver Kidney Care UK’s Patient Support and Advocacy service in the Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway region. This varied role deals with every aspect of a patient’s life that supports better outcomes: welfare benefits, practical, emotional and social support. As well as directly supporting patients, you will raise awareness of the wide range of local and national resources available to kidney patients, and build strong relationships with kidney patients, professionals, and other stakeholder groups in the region.

Based at home (laptop and mobile phone provided), you will be expected to travel independently across the region and manage your own caseload with the support of your line manager and other members of our national friendly, committed team.

We’ll provide the training, you’ll bring enthusiasm and your experience of working with chronically ill patients in a social, care or health role.

The role is Part-time (17.5 hours per week) and a two-year contract initially. Applications from those with experience of living with CKD in a personal or professional capacity are particularly welcome.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are perfect for this role. 

Responsibilities

• With support, establish the Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Service in the region so patients, their families, carers and professionals to access independent support on social, financial, health advocacy and wellbeing

• Be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Patient Support &

Advocacy Service across the region and the effective management of a caseload.

This involves regular attendance at renal clinics in the region, building

relationships with health and care professionals and being available for

patients in the renal unit, on the phone or online, or to meet at a mutually

convenient public location

• To support patients to build the skills and confidence needed to positively

navigate the challenges presented by health, social care, benefits, and

financial support pathways, and to overcome barriers and promote independence

• To support patients to connect with services to ensure that they are engaged in

shared decision making and that their voice is central to shaping the care and

support they receive

• To raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefits of the Patient Support

& Advocacy Service amongst kidney patients, their families, carers, and

professionals across the region

• To be a primary source of, or gateway to, local information and access to:

Kidney Care UK Money & Energy Advice services, supporting income maximisation

Kidney Care UK Patient Grants programme, raising awareness of the programme and supporting applications

Kidney Care UK Counselling Service and other appropriate services to meet patients emotional and psychological needs

Reliable and accurate patient information relating to kidney disease, patient pathways,models of care, and patient choice

Benefits and finances, including employment, housing, and grants from charities including Kidney Care UK benefits and welfare service

• To provide insight on patients’ concerns and unmet needs to inform Kidney Care UK research, campaigns, and new service development activity

• To maintain patient records to allow effective reporting on key performance indicators about patient activity and service outputs

• Identify and create relationships with key services and professionals across the region, to ensure patients, their families, and carers can easily access the Patient Support & Advocacy Service

• To work in a way that respects the personal, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual and maintains the confidentiality of information they may have shared with you