An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen to work within Alzheimer Scotland as a Dementia Link Worker in the Mid-Argyll area of Argyll and Bute. The role of Dementia Link Worker is key to our local services and Link Workers are often the first person families have contact with following a diagnosis of dementia.

The Dementia Link Worker role is central to our success in providing people living with dementia, their families and carers high quality Post-Diagnostic Support. This support can involve practical advice, as well as access to resources, activities, groups and other community programmes that will sustain independence as far as is possible and for as long as possible. Dementia Link Workers are allocated to support individuals and families for a period of 12 months following a diagnosis of dementia. During the year of Post-Diagnostic Support, Dementia Link Workers operate around Alzheimer Scotland’s 5 Pillar Model, allowing a structured but person-centred approach to the delivery of support.

Working with individuals and families affected by dementia, the Dementia Link Worker is required to have a warm, flexible approach, a good understanding of dementia, as well as skills in empathy and relationship building. Often visiting people in their own homes, Dementia Link Workers are in a unique position to offer a very person-centred level of care.

Supporting our Argyll and Bute locality, this post will be based within the Community Dementia Team in Mid-Argyll based within Mid-Argyll Community Hospital. Being a part of a multidisciplinary team, Dementia Link Workers are required to be effective team members and have the skills to maintain relationships with colleagues both within Alzheimer Scotland and the NHS. Travel within the Mid-Argyll area will be required. In addition some travel out with the area can be expected for training and meeting purposes.

A unique person is sought who can support people living with dementia, primarily in a home setting, personalised to the individual’s needs. They will take a flexible, creative and caring approach to the role.

Applicants will have an understanding of the aims and values of Alzheimer Scotland supported by excellent communication and networking skills; hold a recognised professional qualification and/or have relevant experience with a willingness to learn and participate in training. Relevant qualifications and/or experience of working with people with dementia would be an advantage.

Please note that at time of writing Alzheimer Scotland staff remain working from home. This is subject to change at short notice. There is an increased emphasis on using digital platforms to engage with people with dementia and their carers and working creatively to deliver the 5 Pillar Model of Post-Diagnostic Support remotely. Skills in this area would be advantageous.

You will be required to have a full driving licence and access to a car.

Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a different to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.

Main Purpose of post: To work in vacancies across Argyll, presently in Tarbert, Mid-Argyll and the islands of Islay, and Jura, in coordinating ministries support to vacancies and ensuring that the ordinances of religion are delivered against a background of reducing numbers of full-time ministers of word and sacrament