Welfare Rights and Health Project Adviser - Citizens Advice Edinburgh

Citizens Advice Edinburgh works in partnership with the NHS Lothian Health Promotion Service and the Community Help & Advice Initiative (CHAI) to deliver an outreach advice service at the Western General (WGH), Royal Infirmary (RIE), and Royal Hospital for Children & Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh. The service currently has 2 part-time staff members at the Royal Infirmary, one part-time staff member at the Western General, and one part-time staff member at the RHCYP.

The present vacancy is at the RIE, although the post holder may be required to work flexibly between the hospitals, covering periods of annual leave, sickness absence, training, etc.

The project delivers welfare rights and health-related advice to patients, visitors and staff members attending the acute sector in Edinburgh. Research has shown that resolving problems with benefits, debt, employment, housing, and family issues can have a positive effect on patient health. The service is also aimed at clients who have had a recent change in circumstances due to a health-related issue or diagnosis.

The Welfare Rights and Health Project Adviser should be experienced in giving advice, particularly in relation to benefits. They must have an understanding of the role within the healthcare environment and the impact of poverty on health.

The post holder will be required to assertively develop and maintain links with NHS staff, Social Work staff, other CAE specialists and external agencies.

The acute sector is a fast-paced, rapidly evolving, and challenging environment in which to work. Due to the project’s setting, the work can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Clients are frequently extremely unwell, presenting practical challenges to engagement, and advisers must move around the large hospital sites in order to meet with staff, patients and carers. In addition to possessing the necessary practical knowledge, candidates will therefore require energy and resilience to maintain the service’s success.