Support Officer

Hospital Carer Support Officer

Location:

University Hospital Ayr / South Ayrshire Contract Type: 21 hours per week (0.6 FTE) Fixed Term for 12 months Salary: £16,117.80  5% employer pension contribution 21 HSC are recruiting on behalf of Unity to recruit a Hospital Carer Support Officer to join Carers Gateway South Ayrshire. Unity is a highly regarded and long-established charity that provides a range of services to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the West of Scotland.

Through Carers Gateway South Ayrshire, Unity provides dedicated support to unpaid carers, helping them to access the information, advice and services they need while ensuring their voices are recognised and heard. The Hospital Carer Support Officer will play a key role in ensuring unpaid carers are identified, informed and supported as part of the hospital discharge process. Based within the Integrated Hospital Discharge Hub at Ayr Hospital, the postholder will work closely with ward staff, hospital social work teams, discharge coordinators, Multi-Disciplinary Teams, Health and Social Care Partnership colleagues and community organisations.

This is an important role for someone who is passionate about supporting unpaid carers and ensuring they are recognised as equal partners in care. You will help carers understand their rights, communicate their views and access appropriate support, while contributing to safe, effective and person-centred discharge arrangements.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Proactively identify unpaid carers across hospital and discharge pathways and provide timely support. Build strong and positive relationships with ward staff, hospital social work teams, discharge coordinators and community partners. Ensure unpaid carers understand their rights, entitlements and the support available to them. Complete carer needs assessments and facilitate access to Adult Carer Support Plans. Support unpaid carers to participate meaningfully in discharge planning and ensure their views are communicated.

Attend relevant Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discharge planning discussions where appropriate. Promote and facilitate transition into Carers Gateway South Ayrshire and other appropriate support services. Raise awareness of unpaid carers and referral pathways amongst hospital staff and other professionals. Develop effective partnership working across health, social care, statutory and third-sector services. Maintain accurate case records, monitoring information and service data in line with organisational procedures.

Provide regular updates and performance information to the Carers Gateway Manager. Contribute to service development, continuous improvement and awareness-raising activities. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of carers' legislation, national and local carers strategies, policies and available support. Work in accordance with Unity's policies, procedures and values and undertake other appropriate duties as required. Essential/Desirable Skills and Attributes It is essential to have an SVQ Level 2 in Social Care, HNC in Social Care or equivalent relevant qualification.

It is essential to have at least three years' experience working within social care, social work or a hospital setting. It is essential to have a driving licence and access to a car for business use. It is essential to have a good understanding of the issues facing unpaid carers and the National and Local Carers Strategy. It is essential to have knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Carers (Scotland) Act, Self-Directed Support and safeguarding legislation.

It is essential to understand and apply a person-centred approach when supporting carers. It is essential to have experience of networking and partnership working. Experience working with local authority and NHS partners is desirable. Previous experience of working directly with unpaid carers is desirable, as is lived experience as an unpaid carer. It is essential to have excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to build relationships with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders.

It is essential to have strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Teams and SharePoint. You will be compassionate, empathetic and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to support people who may be experiencing challenging and emotional circumstances. Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the…