Family and Carer Ambassador Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan; Colchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Family and Carer Ambassador to provide vital support to families and carers of individuals with complex mental health needs. This role emphasizes compassion, advocacy, and the ability to navigate healthcare systems effectively. You will work closely with families to empower them and ensure their voices are heard in the care process. With opportunities to shape relationships with stakeholders, this position is ideal for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Join a team that values care, learning, and empowerment while enjoying flexible working options and various benefits.

Benefits

Season Ticket Loans

NHS staff discounts

Training opportunities

Buying and Selling annual leave

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proactive and compassionate individual with strong communication skills.
• Experience in supporting families and carers in healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Support families and carers from admission to discharge.
• Advocate for families in policy development and quality improvement.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Advocacy

Job description

Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this position.

Due to current Home Office Guidelines, we are unable to sponsor this job role.

Role Overview

As a Family and Carer Ambassador, you will provide practical and emotional support to families and carers of those with complex mental health needs. You will also offer advocacy to ensure that the families'/carers' and patients' needs and views are heard and acted upon, regardless of communication needs. You will identify and address cross-organisational challenges and work closely with key agencies across health, education, social care, and voluntary sectors, including links with adult services for transition planning or support.

Candidate Requirements

To succeed, you must be proactive, compassionate, detail-oriented, well-organized, and possess strong communication skills. Passion and sensitivity for effecting change and empowering patients, families, and carers are essential. This is a new role with opportunities to shape and develop relationships with stakeholders and partners. Lived experience is a key aspect of this role.

What is Lived Experience?

It is the knowledge and understanding gained from personal experience of a particular situation.

Examples include:

• Being a carer to family or friends
• Extensive experience working on a ward
• Having been a service user

Our Values and Benefits

We seek motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn, and Empower. Benefits include:

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS staff discounts
• Training opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave
• Opportunities to work bank shifts and expand experience
• Salary Sacrifice schemes
• Flexible working options from day one

Staff Bank

Our NHS staff bank hires clinical and non-clinical professionals for shifts at our hospitals and community settings. All permanent staff are enrolled automatically, with options to work additional shifts if desired.

Key Responsibilities

1. Work with carers and families from admission to discharge.
2. Help families understand inpatient systems and processes.
3. Support communication between clinical units and families/caregivers.
4. Empower families to access information and participate in planning.
5. Maintain knowledge of local resources to support families.
6. Act as a liaison for family and carer matters and quality improvement initiatives.
7. Help raise concerns and escalate issues when necessary.
8. Champion the role of families and carers as partners.
9. Maintain accurate records and ensure confidentiality.
10. Advocate for families, carers, and patients in policy development.
11. Ensure professional standards in all public and patient interactions.
12. Embed patient and public involvement in decision-making.
13. Provide support to carers and families, including follow-up calls and information sharing.
14. Lead and facilitate carers' groups and support activities.
15. Build links with local carer charities and attend relevant meetings.
16. Create relapse prevention and support plans with carers.
17. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the carer strategy.

Promoting Rights and Signposting

Share information about rights, legal frameworks, community services, policies, and legal advice options.

This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve over time to meet organizational needs.

Professional Development

• Maintain a professional development portfolio.
• Complete mandatory training and participate in appraisals.
• Contribute to induction and training of new staff.
• Stay updated on Trust policies and standards.
• Contribute to a learning environment and support professional growth.