Peer Connection Lead

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Life assurance

Job summary

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is building a brand-new Peer Connection Team within our Peer and Lived Experience function, helping people with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid connect with others who understand what they’re going through.

As our Peer Connection Lead, you’ll guide the Peer Connection Coordinators and shape how the team works to ensure a consistent, welcoming and person-centred experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in building a new service or function.
• Ability to connect with people and build trust.
• Ability to guide good practice while giving others confidence to decide.
• Proven ability to lead, support and bring out the best in staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead a new Peer Connection Team from the start and shape how the team works.
• Guide Peer Connection Coordinators to deliver a consistent, welcoming, person-centred experience.
• Work across CHSS with volunteers and local partners to create opportunities for peer connection.
• Strengthen pathways into support and identify opportunities to do more for people with chest, heart, stroke conditions and Long Covid.

Skills

Service design

People relationship

Leadership

People management

Organisation

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Future planning

Job description

Every day, people across Scotland are adjusting to life following a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, after experiencing a stroke or dealing with Long Covid. At Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), Scotland's leading health charity, we're working to ensure there is No Life Half Lived, and you could play a vital role in making that happen.

We provide a range of services, notably through our Community Healthcare Support Service, which delivers supported self management and recovery services across Scotland.

By joining CHSS as the Peer Connection Lead you’ll have a real opportunity to help people move beyond simply surviving, towards managing their health, regaining confidence and independence and connecting with their communities.

About the Role

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is building a brand-new Peer Connection Team within our Peer and Lived Experience function, helping people with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid connect with others who understand what they’re going through.

At CHSS, we believe in No Life Half Lived, and peer connection can be a powerful part of helping people build confidence, feel less alone and live the life they want to lead.

As our Peer Connection Lead, you’ll play a key role in building and developing this new area of support. You’ll guide the Peer Connection Coordinators, help shape how the team works and make sure people receive a consistent, welcoming and person-centred experience.

You’ll work across CHSS and with volunteers and local partners to build opportunities for peer connection, strengthen pathways into support and identify where we can do more.

We’re looking for someone who:

• understands how to build a new service or function and turn ideas into practical ways of working
• connects naturally with people and builds trust
• can guide good practice while giving people the confidence to make decisions
• can lead, support and bring out the best in staff
• is organised and comfortable balancing day-to-day delivery with developing something new
• enjoys building strong relationships across teams, with volunteers and external partners
• can spot opportunities, solve problems and make things happen
• wants to help shape the future of peer connection at CHSS

This is a chance to lead a new team from the start and make a real difference to how people experience support after a diagnosis or life-changing health event.

Why Join CHSS?

At CHSS, you'll be joining a charity where your work has a genuine impact on people's lives across Scotland.

Our colleagues describe working at CHSS as rewarding, fulfilling, impactful, friendly and inclusive, reflecting both the purpose of our work and the supportive culture we continue to build together.

We value people with different experiences, skills and perspectives. Our colleagues join us at many stages of their careers, from those taking their first steps into employment, to professionals seeking a new challenge, people changing sectors, and those looking to use their experience in a purpose-driven organisation. What unites us is a shared commitment to improving the lives of people across Scotland.

What We Can Offer You

Working at CHSS means being part of a passionate organisation that makes a real difference every day. We offer:

• A rewarding, positive and supportive work environment
• Company pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Life assurance

For full range of our benefits, please see the Benefit Summary document attached to our advert.

Flexible Working

CHSS also supports flexible recruitment through Working Families and we are “Happy to Talk Flexible Working”. While we encourage flexibility wherever possible, please note that our Retail Shop roles operate within set business hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm to meet the needs of the business.

Safeguarding and Equality

In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a PVG check.

CHSS is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to creating an environment free from unlawful discrimination. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and aim to ensure that no applicant, volunteer or colleague is treated unfairly because of their background or circumstances.