HIV Specialist Support Worker

Job summary

We are a dedicated and compassionate team committed to providing high-quality care to people living with HIV. We offer multidisciplinary care, as well as support, education, and advocacy to those affected by HIV. We maintain a person-focused approach that supports engagement and optimises outcomes for people living with HIV.

As an HIV Support Worker, you will be responsible for providing practical, emotional, and social support to individuals living with HIV. You will be confident in delivering support to people living with complex needs and will have, or be able to develop, a good knowledge of local services across Cardiff and Vale, both statutory and voluntary. You will assist individuals in managing their health, navigating healthcare services, and improving their overall well-being. You will be able to work autonomously and flexibly, with good problem-solving skills which enable timely and bespoke support. You will be an advocate for people living with HIV, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need, and helping to reduce HIV stigma. You will take a lead on improving engagement and outreach within the service and will work proactively with our partners and stakeholders, including people living with HIV. While it is not an essential criteria for the role, we actively encourage applications from people living with HIV.

English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply

Main duties of the job

Provide one-on-one support and advocacy to individuals living with HIV, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs; working flexibly within and outside the clinic, as well as virtually as required.

Maintain accurate and confidential records.

Work within clinic and social multidisciplinary teams to plan and provide holistic care and support for people living with HIV who have complex needs and/or face barriers to engagement.

Identify people who are eligible for support, create and review care plans, and deliver support in accordance with these.

Contribute to data collection and audit as part of the monitoring and evaluation of this work.

Assist individuals with accessing healthcare, medications, and other necessary health services.

Offer practical support, including assistance with housing, benefits, immigration and other social needs.

Provide emotional and psychological support, helping individuals to manage the challenges associated with living with HIV, particularly stigma.

Engage with local support groups and provide information on living well with HIV, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

Collaborate with local and regional partners and stakeholders, to deliver training and education and to drive forward improvements in the support provided for people living with HIV.

Maintain a focus on outcomes and ensure that well-being and safeguarding are at the centre of the work.

About us

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 15,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving around 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services.

Our mission is "Caring for People, Keeping People Well",and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. As an organisation we are unashamedly ambitious for our population's health, rising to the challenges of today and tomorrow through our 10-year strategy, Shaping our Future Wellbeing. We are contributing to a healthier Wales with great emphasis placed on innovation and improvement, learning from around the world and leading the way in clinical research. Partnership working is strong at Cardiff and Vale, and we work closely with our staff and our community.

Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, is a fantastic city to live and work in with an abundance of sports, arts and cultural attractions. Situated to the west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a combination of beautiful Welsh countryside and a dramatic natural coastline. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.