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.

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.

We are a Carer Positive Employer, find out more here

The Coalition of Carers in Scotland (COCIS) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic person to support carer engagement with South Asian carer communities. This will include, supporting and extending our BAME Carers Workers Forum, establishing Carers Voices Networks for carers from South Asian communities, facilitating learning events and building our online networks. This will support carers to feel part of a larger carer network, to have their views and experiences listened to, and to contribute to local and national changes which support their wellbeing

The South Asian Carer Engagement Officer is a specialist role to support the Coalition of Carers in Scotland to deliver a culturally competent service to carers from South Asian communities. This role requires a strong commitment, desire, ability and preferably bilingual skills to reach out to carers from South Asian communities.

In addition, applicants must have demonstrable experience of developing and delivering online, in-person and hybrid engagement and learning events. . They must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to network and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. A good understanding of the current health and social care environment will also be beneficial.

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.