Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity.

SAMH has represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for almost 100 years

Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.

These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

About the Role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic story-teller with a talent for writing and a love of social media. As part of our Communications team you’ll help drive forward SAMH’s agenda and vision by creating compelling social content, producing engaging writing and using your people skills to act as the first point of contact for the media. You’ll also support the Senior Communications Officer, Senior Campaigns Officer, and Head of Communications and Public Affairs in their work, including by producing reports for the team on the reach and impact of its work.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for someone who understands the power of the stories, and is passionate about communicating. Ideally you will have experience as a journalist or in a similar communications role, producing copy and social content for a range of audiences. You’ll be able to talk to a range of people and have a keen understanding of how organisations can work with media. Experience of basic design, for example using Canva, would be beneficial, as would experience of creating video content. Most important is that you are enthusiastic and determined to solve any problem you encounter.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

• Reimbursement of PVG & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.

• Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

• 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service

• 4 public holidays

• 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you.

• Team wellbeing budgets

• Workplace pension scheme

• Life Assurance policy

• Employee Assistance Programme

Are you looking for an exciting addition to your current role?

We are looking for a highly motivated person who can support the Dementia Friendly Scotland Lead to manage and implement systems related to the Dementia Friends programme. This person will work closely with the Programme Manager to deliver supportive and efficient processes for the wider team. There will also be the opportunity to develop new materials, work on social media platforms, use Raiser’s edge database to record data and be part of developing the programme going forward.

In the role you will need to exhibit a collaborative approach to working across the Stakeholder Engagement team, Dementia Friends programme and Brain Health Scotland supporting Leads on key projects and administrative tasks, as well as other internal and external stakeholders. You will play an instrumental role in the success of our activities and will use your initiative and creativity to solve problems and pre-empt team needs.

Successful applicants will have a positive approach to dementia. You will also have good communication skills and a caring attitude. A willingness to learn and participate in training where required.

We are looking for someone with a with a can-do attitude who can thrive within a fast-paced, varied environment. You will be well versed in working independently, a self-starter with meticulous attention to detail. Successful applicants will have a positive approach to dementia, along with excellent communication skills and a caring attitude. A willingness to learn and participate in training, will also be expected.

The successful candidate for this post will be subject to a criminal check through Disclosure Scotland.

Are you a creative and motivated individual with the passion and drive to support people with a recent diagnosis of dementia to live well in their community?

If so, you can be part of a National Team of Post Diagnostic Support Link Workers (PDS Link Workers) providing high-quality, person-centred support to people living with dementia and their families for a minimum of a year following diagnosis in line the Scottish Government’s minimum guarantee.

The aim of the PDS National Service is to enable people to live well with dementia and is centred around Alzheimer Scotland's 5 pillar model so that people move on to a period of supported self- management.

The model includes understanding the illness and coming to terms with the diagnosis, peer support, connecting and maintaining links with their community along with planning for future care and decision making to develop an outcome focused plan to support their future hopes, desires and aspirations.

Supporting our Midlothian locality, the post will be based within the Dementia Service, Bonnyrigg Health Centre, EH19 2DA. Alzheimer Scotland’s PDS Link Workers are required to be effective team workers and have the skills to build and maintain relationships with colleagues both within Alzheimer Scotland, the NHS and other stakeholders.

Skills in using digital platforms are essential as we use a blended approach to support people that involve some virtual meetings and on-line groups.

Applicants must hold a recognised relevant professional qualification, have a good understanding of dementia and how it affects people and their families along with excellent communication skills, a warm flexible approach, combined with skills in empathy and relationship building.

In addition, you should have skills and knowledge at the Enhanced Level of the Promoting Excellence Framework or be able to evidence you are working towards its completion.

This post requires a full driving license and access to a car.