Engagement Support Worker

ACFA - The Advice Network; West of England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A local health support organization in West of England is seeking an Engagement Support Worker to provide outreach support to individuals living with HIV. The role involves developing holistic support plans, encouraging treatment adherence, and collaborating with healthcare providers. Ideal candidates will have experience in providing one-to-one support and possess strong advocacy skills. This position offers a salary of £27,711 – £30,060 pro-rata, with ongoing training and flexible working options.

Benefits

26 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

Ongoing training and professional development

Regular one-to-one supervision

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and person-centred approaches.
• Ability to work under pressure and independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach support to individuals struggling with HIV.
• Encourage treatment adherence and clinic engagement.
• Develop holistic support plans with clients.

Skills

Emotional resilience

One-to-one support experience

Effective liaison and advocacy skills

Job description

Do you have experience supporting people with complex needs, including mental health difficulties, drug and alcohol misuse, and those in crisis?

Are you able to develop safe, trusting relationships to help those who have experienced barriers to accessing care engage with their healthcare?

Are you committed to providing person-centred, confidential, and non-judgmental support to a diverse range of people from different cultures?

Salary: £27,711 – £30,060 pro rata (Point 12-17 on the NJC Pay Scale)

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time) or two individuals each working 22.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Interview date: Thursday, 11th September 2025

Interviews at: Brigstowe’s office, The Old Coop, Ground Floor, 42 Chelsea Road, Bristol, BS5 6AF

Your Role:

People living with HIV who take medication can expect a normal life span and cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners (click here for more information). However, for many reasons, some people are not taking HIV medication or attending regular appointments. Non-engagement increases health risks and the potential for onward transmission of the virus.

You will join Brigstowe’s Advice and Support team as an Engagement Support Worker, providing outreach support to individuals struggling with their diagnosis, who may have complex needs or be in crisis. Your role will involve encouraging and supporting HIV treatment adherence and clinic engagement.

You will work with clients to develop holistic support plans to enable them to live well with HIV. You will collaborate closely with clinicians at Southmead Hospital's HIV Clinic, as well as liaising with other local support providers, agencies, and community groups to achieve the best outcomes for your clients.

About You:

You are an emotionally resilient individual with experience in providing one-to-one support to people facing various difficulties. Personal, voluntary, community, or work experiences demonstrating your support skills are welcome.

The role requires gaining clients’ trust, engaging people from diverse cultures, and making them feel safe and supported. You should be familiar with a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to maintain relationships, and possess effective liaison and advocacy skills to help clients understand and access their rights and entitlements. Your goal will be to help clients become more independent and achieve their goals.

You should work well under pressure, be self-motivated, able to work independently, and also be a great team player. You will deliver a responsive, flexible, and inclusive service.

About Us:

Brigstowe supports people living with or affected by HIV in Bristol and surrounding areas. We offer comprehensive services, including advice and support, peer support, advocacy, campaigning, training, and sexual health outreach.

We pride ourselves on treating clients with respect and dignity, maintaining confidentiality. Our services are accessible, person-centred, non-judgmental, professional, and high quality.

Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, supportive, motivated, and dynamic environment. We offer:

• 26 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Regular one-to-one supervision
• Flexible/remote working options discussed with the line manager (some office work required)