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Job summary

Main area
Sexual Health
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent: 22.5 hours a week
Hours
Part time - 22.5 hours per week (This is a permanent position of 22.5 hours per week which may be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the service.)
Job ref
001-AHP056-0625
Employer
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Employer type
NHS
Site
Glossop Unit, Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Town
Cardiff
Salary
£37,898 - £45,637 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
18/06/2025 23:59

Employer heading

NHS

HIV Specialist Support Worker

NHS AfC: Band 6

WHO WE ARE:

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Board in the UK, employing over 16,000 staff and providing over 100 specialist services. Serving a population of 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 also working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone and to delivering excellent care and support.

Our mission is “Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together”. We have recently refreshed our strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, which sets out the Health Board’s Vision for improving the health and wellbeing of the populations we serve by 2035 through the delivery of our strategic objectives; Putting People First, Providing Outstanding Quality, Delivering in the Right Places, and Acting for the Future. We have challenging times ahead, but we are confident that by tackling these challenges together, we can support people to live healthier lives and reduce the unfair differences in the prevalence of illness and health outcomes we see in our communities today. We aspire to deliver outstanding care and treatment for people when they need it, where they need it; care that compares well with the best in the world, but to do so, we need to transform how we deliver services over the next decade and beyond.

We are a values-driven organisation and out goals will only be realised if our values are at the heart of everything we do. Created by colleagues, patients and their families and carers, our values are:

·         We are kind and caring

·         We are respectful

·         We have trust and integrity

·         We take personal responsibility

OUR REGION:

Wales has much to offer with miles of stunning coastline, UNESCO world heritage sites and beautiful countryside. Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, has something for everyone. It 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, as well as charming towns including Penarth and Cowbridge. Those seeking more culture may find themselves drawn to the National Museum, St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life or the Millennium Centre, home of the Welsh National Opera. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.

Please be advised that there is a temporary top up for Bands 2 and 3 to reflect the incorporation of the top up to the living wage of £12.60 per hour - £24,638 per annum.

This temporary top up will be in place until the annual pay uplift for 2025/26 is confirmed


 

Job overview

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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac

We are keen to hear from candidates with experience of working in health, social care, education, third sector or welfare services. Previous experience as a peer navigator / peer supporter would be advantageous for this role. We are keen to hear from candidates with experience of working in health, social care, education, third sector or welfare services. Previous experience as a peer navigator / peer supporter would be advantageous for this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Post graduate qualification in Health or related field
  • Awareness and Understanding of Sexual Health agenda in Wales
  • Experience of HIV and / or Sexual Health care
  • Evidence of continued professional development
Desirable criteria
  • Teaching, Mentoring or coaching qualification
  • Counselling skills
  • STIF NHIVNA competency

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Understanding HIV and the HIV agenda
  • Safeguarding level 2
  • Experience of working with HIV patient and / or young people and / or vulnerable people
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of completing clinic audits
  • Evidence of working with / training in CSE / Domestic abuse / Modern Slavery

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Ability to mange own workload effectively
  • Effective change management
Desirable criteria
  • Evidence of completing clinic audits
  • Ability to speak Welsh

Special Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge HIV care

Other

Essential criteria
  • Ability to travel in a timely manner

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria
  • Ability to organize own workload
  • Positive role model

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoAge positiveDisability confident leaderhyderus o ran anableddAccredited Living Wage EmployerDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldArmed Forces CovenantDFN Project Search LogoStonewall Top 100 Employers in 2023Stonewall Top 100 Employers in 2023Core principles

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Welsh language skills are desirable

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jen Lewis
Job title
HIV Clinical Nurse Specialist
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

Stewart Attridge 

HIV Clinical Nurse Specialist

[email protected] 

OR 

Dr Laura Cunningham 

GUM & HIV Consultant 

[email protected] 

 

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