Huntington's Disease Specialist

Region: Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Base: Scottish Huntington’s Association, Business First, Burnbrae Road, Paisley. Hybrid working model (combination of office/home-based)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £33,537 – £37,103

Hours: Up to full time (36 hours). Hours can be negotiated for suitable candidate

What we offer

Generous annual leave entitlement (37 days – 25 days annual leave plus 12 days public holidays)

Increasing annual leave days to recognise long service (after 4 years)

Contribution pension scheme

Flexible hybrid approach to work

Regular supervision

Are you looking for a role in which you will improve the lives of families in your community? A role that enables you to work differently, build your knowledge and skills, and feel valued by clients, colleagues and the organisation you work for?

We are looking for a Health and Social Care professional to join our nationwide network of Huntington’s Disease Specialists to provide care management, specialist assessment and emotional support to individuals and families across Scotland.

Working in partnership with local Health and Social Care teams, you will also provide advice, training and education to professionals and voluntary agencies involved in all aspects of Huntington’s disease care.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and motivated to have a positive influence on the quality of life of the individuals and families they support. This role is open to medical and health and social care staff from backgrounds such as nursing, allied health, social work and medicine. Professional body membership is essential. Previous experience of Huntington’s disease is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

You should be able to work autonomously in this challenging and rewarding position. Good listening, communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as are excellent time keeping and caseload management abilities. Community-based practice knowledge, a driving licence and use of a car are also essential. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced disclosure check.

About Scottish Huntington’s Association

People impacted by Huntington’s disease need specialist services to cope with a severe and complex disease, the impact on families and a lack of awareness amongst health and social care providers and the wider public.

Scottish Huntington’s Association is the only charity in the country exclusively dedicated to providing expert and personalised support for those impacted by Huntington’s disease.

Our support reduces unnecessary hospital admissions; supports carers and other family members; lowers household poverty; and alleviates wellbeing risks to children and young people living in Huntington’s families.

Scottish Huntington’s Association is the only charity in Scotland dedicated exclusively to the care and support of individuals and families whose lives are impacted by Huntington’s disease. As such, we are commissioned by NHS Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships throughout the country to share our expertise with front line staff and build support for improved services and higher standards of care for every family impacted by this devastating disease.

It’s an exciting time to join us as we implement Standing Tall: A Strategy For Growth 2023 – 28 to transform the care and support of Huntington’s families, expand services, raise awareness and deepen our involvement and support for world-leading research and clinical trials.

You will find a values-driven organisation, founded by families for families and recognised at national and international levels for expertise in supporting the Huntington’s disease community.

About Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is caused by an inherited faulty gene that damages the brain over time. People with the disease can eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink and care for themselves, requiring specialist support from those who understand the condition.

The disease is genetic, meaning it is passed down from one generation to the next. It therefore impacts entire families over generations rather than individuals alone. Anyone with a parent who has Huntington’s has a 50% risk of inheriting the condition from them.

Around 800 people in Scotland are living with the symptoms of Huntington’s disease right now. A further 3,200 are estimated to be at risk of developing Huntington’s disease as a result of inheriting the faulty gene.

How to apply

Please review the Person Specification and Job Description before completing the Application Form to tell us about who you are and your experience/impact in previous or current roles.

Email your application, including the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, with a subject line of Huntington’s Disease Specialist (GGC) to recruitment@hdscotland.org.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 18 July 2024 at 12noon.

Interview date: Friday 2 August at Scottish Huntington’s Association National Office, Paisley.

Scottish Huntington’s Association is a registered charity and is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment.