VOCAL is the Voice of Carers across Lothian, a Scottish charity run by carers and for carers since 1994.

VOCAL's COSCA recognised Counselling Service provides 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.

We are seeking a qualified and experienced counsellor to provide counselling sessions face to face and digitally, in line with existing counselling service models and as stated in the Service’s Code of Practice for Counsellors.

The appointed counsellor will hold a postgraduate diploma in Counselling from a recognised educational establishment and ideally have 250 post-qualifying hours (minimum 150); and be registered with a professional body, i.e. COSCA, BACP, UKCP or equivalent. The diploma course must be validated by COSCA or equivalent.

VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian - seeks an enthusiastic and experienced Carer Support Practitioner to join its busy and expanding team to provide casework support to carers across Edinburgh. The post holder will support unpaid carers caring for someone living in Edinburgh to plan and access person-centred support for their caring situation, health and wellbeing and personal development.

The postholder will lead an exciting SDS focused project funded by Support in the Right Direction, Inspiring Scotland. They will work collaboratively with staff, relevant organisations and the funder whilst running the project. The project is already well established at VOCAL Edinburgh, and the postholder will be able to draw on the expertise of the practitioner currently leading the project who is moving into another role at VOCAL Edinburgh.

The successful candidate will be employed by VOCAL and based at the Edinburgh Carers’ Hub. VOCAL is a carer-led organisation and provides a wide range of services to support unpaid carers in their caring role. The post-holder will be expected to work as part of a team, improve outcomes for carers and maximise uptake of VOCAL services.

Applicants will evidence excellent people, and communication skills, casework and person-centred support work. Applicants will also demonstrate awareness 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. Good working knowledge of health and social care will be expected, with preference given to candidates with applied knowledge of self-directed support. Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.

VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable person to join its busy Edinburgh Family Support Addictions team providing casework support to carers affected by another person’s alcohol or drug use. The postholder will manage VOCAL’s Family Support Addictions service and will work to strengthen carer engagement with drug and alcohol services across Edinburgh, working across the Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership to do so. In particular, the post-holder will work initially to support implementation of the Medication Assisted Treatment Standards in relation to the involvement of family members and carers.

The role would suit someone with experience of working in the alcohol and drugs field in Scotland and who understands relevant current policy and practice in this area, ideally with experience of supporting relevant clients and/or carers. It would offer a positive development opportunity for the right candidate, for instance, those seeking to extend into a management position or wishing to gain more experience working directly to support carer involvement.

Applicants will evidence excellent people, leadership and communication skills, ideally with experience in staff/volunteer management, casework and person-centred support work. They will have an understanding of the needs and supports of carers affected by another’s alcohol or drug use, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey. Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.

VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian - is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Carer Training Officer to support the development, planning and delivery of their carer training programme which includes: workshops and courses focussing on carers’ health and wellbeing; giving information and advice to support the caring role; and providing carers with an opportunity for peer support.

The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of learning and training theory and practice and an ability to undertake each stage of the training cycle. They will also have a good knowledge of health and social care issues, including how the statutory, voluntary and private sectors work, as well as an ability to undertake outcome-focused networking with other agencies and professionals.