Charity registered in Scotland SC020755
“When I was struggling with my caring role, I was pointed to VOCAL. I was so impressed with the quality of the support I received that I felt this was an organisation to which I could contribute.
I became a volunteer and after a couple of years I was co-opted as a trustee. I really value the help I am able to give the charity.”
Supporting carers … as a VOCAL trustee
VOCAL is a carer-led agency, supporting over 10,000 carers each year in Edinburgh and Midlothian. In 2019 VOCAL celebrated its 25th anniversary.
To increase the health and welfare of carers, relieve the poverty and distress of carers and to give carers a voice, we seek further trustees, preferably with some caring experience within their families and circle of friends, to strengthen VOCAL’s governance and long-term strategic vision.
As we embark on new challenges to meet growing carer demand, we seek trustees who will bring direct or transferable professional or volunteer experience and leadership skills to our Board. Previous board/trustee experience is not essential and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds and minority groups.
At present we are particularly looking for applicants with experience in HR, social enterprises, digitalisation, fundraising and income generation, able to offer a minimum of five hours engagement a month.
Trustees attend Board meetings, about 8 per annum, at which the strategies for meeting VOCAL’s objectives are set, and are supported by a senior management team, along with about 30 staff and 60 volunteers. Individual trustees also assist the work of a few sub-committees which address specific areas of our work.
Sessional Counsellor
- Part time
- Sessional
- Edinburgh Carers’ Hub, 60 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5HB
- Closing 30th December 2019
VOCAL is the leading carer organisation in Edinburgh and Midlothian. We are seeking a qualified and experienced counsellor to provide counselling to adult carers aged 18 years and over. The counselling service is on the COSCA Register of Recognised Organisations. Sessional counsellors receive individual clinical supervision from a supervisor employed by VOCAL and will report to the Counselling Service Manager who will line manage the work.
Aims of the counselling service
Provide counselling to adult carers (18 and older) who provide unpaid care to a family member, partner, relative or friend who requires help to manage a long term illness, disability, physical or mental health problem or drug/alcohol addiction in Edinburgh and/or Midlothian.
Role description
Tasks and responsibilities
- To provide individual counselling to adult carers in line with existing counselling service models and as stated in the service’s own Code of Practice for Counsellors.
- To adhere to the COSCA Statement of Ethics and BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Profession.
- To undertake initial intake sessions as required in line with service demand.
- Ensure appropriate session notes and records are kept, i.e. CORE Net.
Person specification
Essential qualifications and experience
- A postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from a recognised educational establishment.
- A minimum of 200 post-qualifying client hours.
- Experience in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression and trauma.
- A genuine desire to work with carers and an understanding of issues relevant to carers.
Desirable qualifications and experience
- Experience of using CORE Net web based system with counselling clients.
- Experience of working in a voluntary sector counselling service.
- Accreditation with BACP, COSCA, UKCP or equivalent.
Carer Support Worker (short breaks)
- Part time
- £27,000 – £29,500 pro-rata
- Midlothian
- Closing 16th December 2019
VOCAL is a carer-led organisation. Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey.
Applicants will evidence excellent people and communication skills, with experience in supporting carers through casework and person-centred support work, including experience of supporting individuals to access short breaks.
Excellent knowledge of health and social care, including key legislation and policy affecting carers.
Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.
Lead Officer – Carer Support Edinburgh
- Part time
- £38,500 – £41,500 pro-rata
- Edinburgh
- Closing 20th August 2019
By 2021, VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) seeks to support 10,000 carers each year in Edinburgh and Midlothian. To develop and manage a wide range of carer support services in Edinburgh and deliver key priorities of the Carers (Scotland) Act, VOCAL seeks an exceptional lead officer with excellent project, staff and client management experience.
VOCAL is a carer-led organisation. Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey.
Applicants will evidence excellent people, leadership and communication skills, with extensive experience in recruitment, management and staff support.
Extensive experience in the management and delivery of person-centred client services will be matched by proven project planning, management, delivery and completion skills.
Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies. Experience with procurement and contract compliance, monitoring and evaluation are essential.
Senior Carer Support Worker (Midlothian)
- Full time or Part time
- £30,100
- Midlothian
- Closing 20th September 2019
VOCAL is a carer-led organisation. Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey.
Applicants will evidence excellent people, leadership and communication skills, with experience in staff management, casework and person-centred support work, including experience of brokering support.
Excellent knowledge of health and social care, including key legislation and policy affecting carers.
Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.
Senior Carer Support Worker (Edinburgh)
- Part time
- £30,100 pro-rata
- Edinburgh
- Closing 3rd December 2019
VOCAL is seeking a dynamic, well organised and experienced professional to undertake an exciting and fast paced role in delivering and managing carer support in Edinburgh. Applicants will evidence excellent people, leadership and communication skills, with experience in staff management, casework and person-centred support work, including experience of arranging or brokering support. In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate up to date knowledge of the health and social care system, including key policies and practices affecting carers.
VOCAL is the leading carer organisation in Edinburgh and Midlothian. The successful candidate will contribute to the effective running of carer support across Edinburgh, managing a small team of carer support workers and volunteers. Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey. Applicants should be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.
Partnership Training Officer
- Part time
- £28,161 – £30,595 pro-rata
- Edinburgh
- Closing 10th December 2019
VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) supports over 10,000 carers in Edinburgh & Midlothian. We seek to fill the following vacancy from January 2020: for a professional training officer.
The postholder will play a key role in improving carer recognition, identification and support within NHS Lothian, health and social care partners and major Edinburgh companies and employers, by developing, coordinating and delivering a programme of digital and face-to-face workplace awareness training. The postholder will also support VOCAL’s Carer Training programme.