Improving the Cancer Journey Link Worker, Pullar House, Perth

Job Description

Improving the Cancer Journey Link Worker (Fixed Term until 31 March 2026) - PKC11418
£12,290 - £13,537 (14.4 Hours per week)
Pullar House, Perth

The MacMillan Improving the Cancer Journey Service helps anyone affected by cancer in Perth and Kinross.  This includes those who have a cancer diagnosis, those who care for them, family members or friends.

Link workers listen to concerns and find out what matters to individuals.  They discuss options together and guide people towards available support, often making referrals to other support services.

Support is provided over the phone, online via video calls or face to face in the local community. More information about the Perth and Kinross Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) service can be found here.

For purposes of connection and collaboration with colleagues and with the community we serve, our full-time employees work on site for a minimum of 2 days per week with the arrangements for part time employees being agreed on a basis which will ensure that they benefit to an equivalent degree.

Our FAQs on hybrid working can be found here Hybrid working FAQs.

We are committed to being a more inclusive employer - to ensure we can consider any reasonable adjustments, please either contact the recruiting manager to discuss any individual circumstances, discuss at interview or, if you prefer, after any conditional offer is made.

Requirements

Educated to HNC or SVQ 3 level or above.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, engaging and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Proven experience of face-to-face work with clients, experience with older people or those coming to the end of life or in a palliative care setting would be beneficial.

Experience of delivering a customer focused service.

Ability to use IT in the provision and recording of advice, ie basic word processing, data input and knowledge of spreadsheets.

Experience of dealing with statutory agencies and working with the voluntary sector.

Ability to work and understand concerns of vulnerable people, especially those living with a long-term condition.

Previous experience of working in a social or health based environment.

Possess and demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to listen actively, motivate, support, advocate and counsel.

Ability to demonstrate a proactive approach to problem solving and decision making.

Ability to take responsibility for own workload, plan and complete tasks without supervision, prioritise, and manage time effectively.

Ability to work alone and as part of a team.

Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders (other Council Departments and outside agencies).

You must have a valid UK driving licence as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.

Personal Qualities

Calm and confident when dealing with complex and difficult emotional situations.

Commitment to achieving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

The Role

Provide therapeutic conversation, advice and support to people living with and beyond cancer, including their families and carers. 

Enable access to non-clinical information and services by providing holistic assessment of needs, identify appropriate interventions and referrals with the individual to shape a plan of action.  Provide ongoing support and coordination to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.

Work closely with Council Services and external agencies, ensuring appropriate referrals are made to support individuals and their goals.

Enable self-directed support and where appropriate self-management.

Main Duties

To provide seamless and accessible pathways to practical, emotional and social support for people affected by cancer, based on a robust holistic assessment of their needs and what matters to them.

To complete Holistic Needs Assessments and care plans with individuals in an appropriate setting, so that everyone who needs it has a clear programme of support in place.

To actively manage a short-term caseload of individuals, acting as their single point of contact and coordinating access to supportive care. When agreed it is needed provide a progress check in to help assess if the individual’s goals are being met and identify any further support.

To communicate with people affected by cancer and other professionals with a high degree of empathy, understanding, diplomacy, honesty, and integrity.

To build and maintain a good understanding of the local cancer pathway and the services and support that are available in Perth and Kinross to people affected by cancer.

To provide exemplary standards of customer service, deliver practical solutions and improve quality of life.

To facilitate, coordinate and follow-up referrals to Council teams, Macmillan Cancer Support, other agencies and voluntary organisations. 

To encourage people to self-manage by sign-posting appropriate information and resources, including support for active and healthy lifestyle choices.

To be an advocate for the service, participating in campaigns to publicise and raise awareness of the service.

To record and maintain accurate database records of all activity, so that a high-quality service is provided, and effective performance management can take place. Provide information and periodic reports to Macmillan Cancer Support on service demand and outcomes attained.

To build and maintain strong working relationships with both external and internal partners, participating in effective teamwork and establish good channels of communication with local organisations.

To be committed to continuing professional development, participate in reflective practice and continuous learning, and share good practice.

The Individual

If you would like any more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Ashley Blundell, Policy & Commissioning Officer on 01738 476570 or at ABlundell@pkc.gov.uk

When completing your application for this post, please ensure that you provide contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees. One should be your current or most recent employer.

Please APPLY ONLINE. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call 01738 475555 to discuss.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of mandatory checks including eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure Scotland or PVG, qualifications, references, and fitness to undertake the post. This may also include an Overseas Criminal Records Check if you have spent time living overseas.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender.

Perth & Kinross Council welcomes applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

At PKC our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Offer. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about PKC and you could soon be joining our team!

Find out more about working for Perth & Kinross Council and living in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland Jobs, careers and employment.

What we can do for you

If you are successful in a role with Perth & Kinross Council, you will have access to a range of benefits to help your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.