Royal Edinburgh Hospital Adviser - Citizens Advice Edinburgh

Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE) has been awarded a contract to deliver a new outreach advice service based the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.  We are recruiting 2 advisers, who, in combination, will deliver the service for a total of 49 hours per week.  Applicants are invited to apply for any number of hours from a minimum of 14 hours(2 days per week) to a maximum of 35 hours (5 days per week).

The service will deliver welfare rights advice to patients, visitors and staff members attending the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, which provides acute psychiatric and mental health services, including treatment for learning disabilities and dementia.  Research has shown that resolving problems with benefits, debt, employment, housing, and family issues can have a positive effect on patient health. The service aims to engage with clients directly at the point when they have had a change in circumstances due to a health-related issue or diagnosis, before issues escalate.

Applicants should be experienced in giving advice, particularly in relation to benefits, but also in the areas of money, housing, immigration, and employment.  They must have an understanding of the role within the healthcare environment and the impact of poverty on health.  Although the post holder will not be providing any medical advice, applicants must have a particular interest in mental health and ensure that patients experiencing various health challenges are supported compassionately, sensitively, and appropriately.  This may include contact with a patient’s support network, if they share legal responsibility for managing a patient’s affairs.

Please see the Job Description, using the link below, for further information.