At the MS Society we put people affected by MS at the centre of everything we do, and it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of people affected by MS, from campaigning at Holyrood and in your local community, to funding ground-breaking research and providing information and local support.

Our people are key to our success, and we offer a vibrant, progressive environment where you will make a difference. Our staff and volunteers work side by side in offices, in branches and in the community to deliver our goal of beating MS.

About this job

This is a varied role which involves planning and promoting online and local Living Well with MS sessions through to their delivery and evaluation. You will co-facilitate sessions with volunteers with lived experience of MS, both virtually and locally. You will have excellent communication skills, be proactive, highly motivated and be exceptionally organised in your approach. In addition, you will facilitate and co-ordinate new and existing online peer networks and information webinars.

You will lead on the virtual and local recruitment and training of our volunteers and provide them with ongoing support to ensure the quality of our services. Working alongside people affected by MS you will also share responsibility for developing and expanding the Living Well with MS programme that we offer. You will be responsible for designing all content, materials and resources for all new and existing services.

You will have experience of group work with people with long term conditions; have a good understanding of self management models and knowledge of working with people in a way that is person- centred and outcome focused.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive and friendly team at an exciting time in the development of the charity. It is essential that the post holder has a full driving licence and access to their own vehicle.

We offer 25 days annual leave, pro rata (excluding bank holidays), a 21 hour working week (flexible working pattern), travel loan and various other benefits such as supported developmental opportunities. The post will be either based at our Ratho office in Edinburgh or home based.

For more information or an informal conversation about the role please contact Coleen Kelly, Self Management Lead, on 0131 335 4056.

As an award-winning innovative care provider, we support the elderly and people living with physical disabilities and long-term conditions across Scotland. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and passion for delivering complex care, making sure that our customers receive high quality care services that can range from visiting a few hours a week to several daily visits.

We deliver our vision of helping our customers live their life to the full through the hard work and dedication of our Support Workers who provide our customers with a wide variety of assistance such as personal hygiene, dressing, medication prompts and light household chores in line with their personal support plans.

Blackwood are currently looking for Support Workers to join our Care Services teams to support our customers living in their own homes in the community and/or in our Care Homes. We operate care services in Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth & Kinross, Edinburgh, Stirling, Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Inverclyde.

Don’t worry about having any previous care experience, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you become a great carer!

Our main priority for this job role is to find people who can show our values and behaviours. These are:

• Taking responsibility
• Being open and honest
• Keeping our promises
• Having respect and understanding

The ideal candidate must have:

• A commitment to delivering high quality care
• Strong communication, interpersonal and IT skills
• An ability to work independently in the community and as part of a team
• A relevant qualification (SVQ2), this is not essential as training will be given
• Flexibility to work on a rota basis, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

…Could this be you?

Blackwood offers a range of employee benefits, including:

• Travel expenses and paid travel time between customer visits
• Fully funded SVQ training on completion of probationary period
• Company sick pay scheme on completion of probationary period
• 34 days’ holiday per annum, pro rata for part-time hours
• Company mobile phone
• Company pension scheme and other benefits
• Payment of PVG and SSSC registration
• Recruit both drivers and walkers on care at home runs
• Fully paid induction and shadowing with experienced carers.
• EE Perks – discount packages for family and friends.