Dementia Adviser

Job Description

Closing Date: 10th September 2023.Location:Community Based in Barnsley with some home working elements.We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.About the roleWe have an amazing and rewarding opportunity to join us at the Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Adviser. This integral role is to join us in a one-year pilot project, in collaboration with Barnsley Third Sector Dementia Alliance – organisations in Barnsleywho are supporting people affected by dementia to live well in their local community. (Alzheimer’s Society, BIADS, Age UK Barnsley, Crossroads Care, Barnsley Carers Service, Butterflies).This is a new and exciting role in supporting the development of a community-based information, advice and guidance service which will work alongside colleagues in Health and Social Care, including Barnsley Memory Assessment Service and GP Practices, and besupported by members of the Third Sector Dementia Alliance, through the provision of wraparound care and support. This is a hugely important role in mapping out the future of services in Barnsley for people living with dementia.The focus of this role is to identify and respond to the real time gaps in support for people with dementia and/or their families, carers and friends, at points of both pre and post diagnosis. This will involve the provision of practical and emotional supportfor individuals who would benefit from additional support, information and guidance at each stage of the diagnostic pathway.We anticipate managing a variety of support needs with referrals for people with differing dementia related needs. This service will be open for referrals for younger people being diagnosed with dementia in addition to those people over 65 years of age.Referrals may be to connect people into their local community for a range of access to support them – e.g. activities, information, day care. We will be providing prompt and effective person-centred solutions, working closely with Barnsley Third Sector DementiaAlliance Members.You will be working alongside Dementia Adviser colleagues and the Service Manager, and involved in setting the parameters for the service, as we seek to identify needs of those being referred into the service and consider future needs of people affected bydementia in Barnsley.You will:

• Manage referrals coming into the service via email and or telephone, following internal referral processes.
• Work to tight deadlines for initial response and completion of support outcomes with our small but passionate team.
• Provide support face-to-face, on the telephone and online.
• Support people to maintain their independence, improving their sense of well-being, and help them feel in more control of their lives.
• Build relationships with a range of local contacts and network with health and care professionals.
• You will be delivering Dementia Support one to one services out in the community and working from home.

About youWe are looking for an individual with great time management and interpersonal skills, with an understanding of dementia and the needs of those living with dementia and their carers. An ability to assess client needs along with the understanding of the needfor client confidentially is essential to providing a valuable and worthwhile service. Due to the nature of the service, experience of safeguarding would be beneficial.You will;

• Have excellent communication skills as well as strong organisational skills in order to manage your caseload of clients effectively within tight deadlines.
• Be empathetic and non-judgmental in your approach with a commitment to equal opportunities.
• Be passionate about putting people living with dementia at the heart of everything you do, to make our service the best it can be.
• Have a sound knowledge of IT systems.
• Have some experience of working with a wide variety of relevant agencies.
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a remote working team.
• Have the means to travel independently across Barnsley.

About Alzheimers SocietyAt AlzheimersSociety, we believepassionatelythat life doesnt end when dementia begins. We are here for anyone affected by dementia, and we do everythingwe can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the peoplewho matter most.Everything we do is shaped by people affected by dementia. Their knowledge and experience arecritical to bringing about real-worldsolutions. From choosingthe most promising research through to telling theirstories to raise awareness; they are the heartof this organisation.Our ValuesWe are Determined to make a differencewhen and where it matters most, by being passionate, focussed and making a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.Every oneof us is a Trusted expert, listening, learning and using evidence and experience. We are Better together by being open, combining our strengths, helping us to achieve more together. We are Compassionate, we are kind and honest, and we don’t shy away from challenges.Through our values we will make the greatest difference for people affected by dementia.Equal OpportunitiesWe want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimers Society.We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and be at your best.