HIV Specialist Support Worker Needed In Cardiff: Visa Sponsorship Available

HIV Specialist Support Worker Job Summary

As an HIV Support Worker, you will be responsible for providing practical, emotional, and social support to individuals living with HIV. You will be confident in delivering support to people living with complex needs and will have, or be able to develop, a good knowledge of local services across Cardiff and Vale, both statutory and voluntary.

We are a dedicated and compassionate team committed to providing high-quality care to people living with HIV. We offer multidisciplinary care, as well as support, education, and advocacy to those affected by HIV. We maintain a person-focused approach that supports engagement and optimises outcomes for people living with HIV.

The Support worker will assist individuals in managing their health, navigating healthcare services, and improving their overall well-being. You will be able to work autonomously and flexibly, with good problem-solving skills which enable timely and bespoke support. You will be an advocate for people living with HIV, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need, and helping to reduce HIV stigma. You will take a lead on improving engagement and outreach within the service and will work proactively with our partners and stakeholders, including people living with HIV. While it is not an essential criteria for the role, we actively encourage applications from people living with HIV.

 

English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply

 

Support Worker Main Duties

Provide one-on-one support and advocacy to individuals living with HIV, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs; working flexibly within and outside the clinic, as well as virtually as required.

Maintain accurate and confidential records.

Work within clinic and social multidisciplinary teams to plan and provide holistic care and support for people living with HIV who have complex needs and/or face barriers to engagement.

Identify people who are eligible for support, create and review care plans, and deliver support in accordance with these.

Contribute to data collection and audit as part of the monitoring and evaluation of this work.

 

Assist individuals with accessing healthcare, medications, and other necessary health services.

Offer practical support, including assistance with housing, benefits, immigration and other social needs.

Provide emotional and psychological support, helping individuals to manage the challenges associated with living with HIV, particularly stigma.

Engage with local support groups and provide information on living well with HIV, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

Collaborate with local and regional partners and stakeholders, to deliver training and education and to drive forward improvements in the support provided for people living with HIV.

Maintain a focus on outcomes and ensure that well-being and safeguarding are at the centre of the work.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the HIV support worker

• Role Overview: HIV support workers provide emotional, practical, and social support to individuals living with HIV. They work as part of multidisciplinary teams to enhance care, promote self-management, and improve quality of life.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Offer one-to-one peer support, group facilitation, and community outreach.
  • Provide harm reduction advice (e.g., safer sex, drug use, and blood-borne virus prevention).
  • Signpost to local services, support groups, and resources like GPs, dentists, or welfare services.
  • Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to data protection laws (e.g., UK GDPR).
  • For peer support roles, share lived experience of HIV to inspire hope and recovery.
  • Engage in community outreach, including home visits, care homes, prisons, or drug and alcohol services.
  • Facilitate HIV testing (e.g., opt-out testing in A&E departments) and ensure follow-up care for positive results.
• Example Settings: NHS trusts, sexual health clinics, community organizations, or charities like Positively UK or Terrence Higgins Trust.

• Essential:
  • For peer support roles, lived experience of HIV and willingness to share it professionally is often required.
  • Experience (paid or unpaid) in health, social care, or supporting individuals toward personal goals.
  • Basic IT skills and sensitivity to patient needs.
  • For some roles, training in peer support, life coaching, or counseling skills (or willingness to undertake it).
• Desirable:
  • Postgraduate qualification in health or a related field (e.g., for some NHS roles).
  • Experience in HIV-specific care or sexual health.
  • Skills in venepuncture or managing complex cases.
  • Ability to speak Welsh (for certain roles in Wales).
• Background Checks: Roles are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

• General Roles: There is no legal obligation to disclose HIV status to employers unless the role involves exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). HIV status is protected as “special category data” under UK GDPR, and confidentiality is legally enforced.
• Peer Support Roles: These roles often require lived experience of HIV and a willingness to share it with clients, colleagues, and external agencies to support recovery. Disclosure is voluntary but integral to the role’s purpose.
• EPP Roles: For roles involving EPPs (e.g., surgery, dentistry), workers must have an HIV test and meet specific criteria (e.g., undetectable viral load, regular monitoring) to perform these tasks.

• Hours: Vary by role. For example:
  • Full-time (37.5 hours/week) or part-time (e.g., 21 or 22.5 hours/week).
  • Some roles involve flexible or multi-site working, including evenings or weekends for outreach.
• Contracts: Can be permanent, fixed-term (e.g., 12 months), or secondment. Some roles are voluntary, especially with charities.
• Example: A role at North Manchester General Hospital involves multi-site working to support HIV testing in A&E, while Positively UK offers part-time peer support roles (21 hours/week).

• NHS Roles: Typically fall under Agenda for Change pay bands (e.g., Band 3–5, roughly £22,000–£35,000 per year, pro-rata for part-time, based on experience and location).
• Charity Roles: Salaries vary widely; some roles are voluntary or lower-paid (e.g., £20,000–£30,000 for part-time peer support). Specific salary details are often listed in job adverts on sites like Indeed or NHS Jobs.
• Note: I don’t have access to exact salary figures for all roles, but you can check current listings on uk.indeed.com or jobs.nhs.uk for precise ranges.

• Stigma: Workers may face stigma or discrimination, particularly if disclosing their HIV status. The Equality Act 2010 protects against workplace discrimination, but cultural attitudes can still pose challenges.
• Emotional Demand: Supporting individuals with complex needs (e.g., mental health, substance use) requires resilience and professional boundaries.
• Confidentiality: Strict adherence to confidentiality is critical, as HIV status is sensitive data under UK GDPR. Breaches can lead to legal consequences.
• Outreach: Roles may involve working in challenging environments like prisons or drug services, requiring flexibility and initiative.

• Training: Employers often provide mandatory training (e.g., HIV/STI knowledge, peer support skills) and opportunities for professional development (e.g., Personal Development Plans).
• Supervision: Regular supervision by line managers or senior clinicians, plus access to multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions.
• Legal Protections: The Equality Act 2010 ensures reasonable adjustments (e.g., flexible hours, time off for appointments) if workers disclose their HIV status. The Data Protection Act 2018 protects confidentiality.
• Resources: Charities like Terrence Higgins Trust offer helplines (e.g., THT Direct: 0808 802 1221) for advice on workplace issues.

• NHS Settings: Roles like facilitating opt-out HIV testing in A&E require familiarity with national guidelines, IT systems, and venepuncture skills.
• Community Outreach: Workers may need to travel for home visits or work in prisons, requiring a driving license or adaptability to varied settings.
• Charity Settings: Peer-led organizations like Positively UK prioritize lived experience and community-building skills, often requiring group facilitation or advocacy.
• EPP Settings: Healthcare workers performing EPPs must meet UK Health Security Agency criteria (e.g., viral load below 200 copies/ml, regular monitoring).

• Job Boards: Check uk.indeed.com, jobs.nhs.uk, or charity-specific sites like positivelyuk.org or tht.org.uk.
• Application Process: Most roles require typed applications submitted by email or online portals (e.g., NHS Trac system). Include a supporting statement addressing essential criteria. Some roles have strict deadlines (e.g., 10:00 AM, June 9, 2025, for Positively UK vacancies).
• Networking: Subscribe to newsletters from organizations like Positively UK or contact them directly (e.g., info@positivelyuk.org) for application packs.

• Non-Discrimination: Under the Equality Act 2010, HIV is considered a disability, protecting workers from discrimination in recruitment, employment, and workplace treatment. Employers must make reasonable adjustments if aware of the worker’s status.
• Confidentiality: HIV status is “special category data” under UK GDPR, and employers must keep it confidential. Unauthorized sharing can lead to claims within six years (one year for public bodies).
• Disclosure: No obligation to disclose HIV status except for EPP roles or peer support roles where lived experience is essential.
• Support: Workers can contact ACAS for employer disputes or the Equality Advisory Support Service for discrimination advice.

• Critical Perspective: While the Equality Act and UK GDPR provide robust protections, stigma persists in some workplaces. Candidates should weigh the benefits of disclosure (e.g., adjustments) against potential risks (e.g., breaches of confidentiality), as real-world application of laws can vary.
• Further Information: For specific job details, check current listings on jobs.nhs.uk or contact organizations like Positively UK (info@positivelyuk.org). For workplace rights, visit nat.org.uk or call THT Direct (0808 802 1221).