Vac3573 - Dementia Support Worker (West Sussex)

**VAC3573 - Dementia Support Worker (West Sussex)**:
**Location**:This is a community-based role within the West Sussex area.

**About Alzheimer's Society**

Who we are
- Alzheimer’s Society are a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. We will not rest until people with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality.

What we do
- We support people affected by dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times, to improve their lives and help to avoid crisis.
- No matter whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society/us for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step
- We join forces with people affected by dementia, leading scientists and policy makers, amplifying voices to push for cutting edge breakthroughs and societal change that’ll improve the lives of people affected by dementia, now and in the future

How we do it
- We’re the friendly face of support, the warm voice at the end of the phone and the determined minds who will fight passionately for the cause of everyone affected by dementia.

**About the role**

We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity available for a Community Dementia Advisor to join our team within West Sussex.

Our Dementia Advisors provides high quality tailored information and support to anyone affected by dementia in the way they need it, when they need it:

- A specialist telephone-based information and navigation service
- Community based services offering an increased level of support for more complex cases
- Self-management - our online community (Talking Point) and online service directory are always available 24/7
- Keeping in Touch Calls - a way of keeping in contact with service users as their journey with dementia progresses

You will have the rewarding opportunity to provide support and guidance to people with dementia and their carers; helping to maintain their independence, improving their sense of well-being, and putting them in more control of their lives. The service is unique to each service user as it is based upon their personal circumstances and support needs.

**About you**
- Working experience of assessing people face to face with an ability to assess their needs.
- Previous working knowledge of making clinical contacts and networking with various services and providers to offer the widest range of opportunities to those we support.
- Deliver advice and guidance with a non-judgmental approach and outstanding communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills to manage your caseload of clients effectively.
- Experience and knowledge of working alongside volunteers and have the understanding to champion the valuable contribution volunteers bring to services.
- Excellent IT skills and be able to travel independently across the required region
- An understanding of dementia and the needs of those living with dementia and their carers would be an advantage but if you have had experience supporting with other challenges this would be taken into consideration.

**Person Specification**
- You will be approachable and friendly
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent IT skills and ability to use Microsoft packages confidently
- Be able to work collaboratively with other team members when required
- Demonstrate passion and eagerness to help make a difference to help support those affected by dementia
- An empathetic and non-judgemental approach with a commitment to equal opportunity