We are currently recruiting for the roles of Support Worker (Part-Time, 30 hours per week) and Pantry Assistant (Part-Time, 7 hours per week).
Do you have the compassion, empathy and drive to support people facing complex health and life challenges?
Support Worker (Part-Time, 30 hours per week), Mon – Thu 9am to 5pm
Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre
£29,000 pro rata (approx. £23,200 for 30 hours)
The Health Agency supports over 2,000 people each year to improve their health and wellbeing. We are looking for a friendly, organised receptionist to create a welcoming environment and help people access the right support at the right time.
ABOUT THE ROLE
DUE TO INTERNAL PROMOTION WE’RE SEEKING A SUPPORT WORKER to play a vital role across our Westerhaven and Mental Wellbeing services, supporting individuals affected by cancer, long-term conditions and mental health challenges. This is a rewarding and varied role where you will provide one-to-one emotional and practical support, helping people navigate difficult circumstances, build resilience and access the support they need. Alongside direct client work, you will contribute to the smooth delivery of services through strong organisational and administrative support. Your ability to build trust, listen with empathy and respond to complex needs will make a real and lasting difference to the people we support.
Duties include:
- Providing compassionate, person-centred one-to-one support (telephone and in-person)
- Carrying out holistic needs assessments to understand emotional, social and practical needs
- Supporting individuals to develop coping strategies and improve wellbeing
- Providing information, advice, signposting and referrals to appropriate services
- Supporting the delivery of groups and wellbeing initiatives
- Maintaining accurate and confidential client records
- Coordinating appointments, referrals and follow-up activity
- Managing waiting lists and supporting effective access to services
- Collecting data and contributing to monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
- Building relationships with NHS partners, community organisations and local services
- Contributing to service development and continuous improvement
ABOUT YOU
- Experience working in a community, health or third sector role
- Strong understanding of the challenges associated with mental health, long-term conditions or cancer
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen, empathise and respond sensitively
- Ability to build rapport and support individuals in a person-centred way
- Confident using digital systems, including Microsoft Office and CRM databases
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- An understanding of the impact of poverty and inequality on health and wellbeing
- Empathetic to the aims and values of The Health Agency
WHAT WE OFFER
- £29,000 pro-rata based on 37.5 hours FTE (£23,200 pa for 30)
- 24 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays (pro rata)
- 3% employer pension contribution (NEST)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- A unique opportunity to make a real difference within a respected community organisation
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV and a covering letter (min 500 words) to recruitment@thehealthagency.org.uk telling us why you think your skills, experience and personal attributes make you the right person for this role.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 17 August 2026 Interviews: Tuesday 1st or Wednesday 2nd September 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Health Agency is committed to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery. We make recruitment decisions based on your experience and skills. For individuals with disabilities who require an accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, can email; Recruitment@thehealthagency.org.uk.The successful candidate will be required to be part of the PVG Scheme, The Health Agency will cover the cost of the application.
Are you passionate about supporting your local community and looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference?
Tasting Change Pantry Assistant (Part-Time, 7 hours per week), Mon – Thu 9am to 5pm
Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre
£26,228 (pro rata)
The Health Agency is a charity based in Wester Hailes, supporting over 2,000 people across Southwest Edinburgh each year to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. As a community-led organisation, we work to reduce health inequalities by supporting people experiencing food insecurity, social isolation, long-term health conditions, cancer and mental and emotional health challenges.
As part of our Tasting Change programme, The Sunflower Pantry provides affordable, nutritious food while creating a welcoming space where local people can access support, build connections and improve their wellbeing. We’re looking for a friendly, organised and motivated Pantry Assistant to support the Project Lead in the day-to-day running of The Health Agency’s Sunflower Pantry. This is an exciting opportunity to help expand the pantry’s opening hours, ensuring more local people can access affordable food and support.
DUTIES INCLUDE
- Support the Project Lead with the day-to-day operation of the Pantry.
- Deliver excellent customer service to pantry members and visitors.
- Manage relationships with FareShare, local suppliers and food donors.
- Support the recruitment, coordination and supervision of volunteers.
- Work collaboratively with local organisations, supermarkets and community partners.
- Ensure good stock management to reduce wastage
FOOD SUPPLY
- Receive and quality-check deliveries.
- Liaise with local Community Gardeners and volunteers to collect produce grown locally
- Help maintain a varied and well-stocked pantry.
MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION
- Register new members using the Your Local Pantry software.
- Process member payments and maintain accurate records.
- Support the ongoing administration and review of memberships.
FOOD HYGIENE AND SAFETY
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety.
- Ensure appropriate food storage and stock control procedures are followed.
- Regular cleaning of equipment
GENERAL
- Attend team meetings and supervision sessions.
- Work in accordance with The Health Agency’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties required by the Project Lead, including occasional weekend work.
ABOUT YOU
ESSENTIAL
- Experience working in a customer-facing or retail environment.
- Good understanding of food hygiene and food safety.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Positive, reliable and approachable.
- Committed to the aims and values of The Health Agency.
DESIRABLE
- Experience working with community food projects, food suppliers or stock management.
- Experience supporting or coordinating volunteers.
- Knowledge of local food insecurity and community food initiatives.
- Experience using databases or CRM systems.
- REHIS Food Hygiene Level 2 qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Current First Aid certificate.
- Full UK driving license
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary (£4,895 pa for 7 hours).
- 24 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays (pro rata).
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Ongoing training and development.
- The opportunity to make a real difference within the Wester Hailes community.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter to Recruitment@thehealthagency.org.uk telling us why you think your skills, experience and personal attributes make you the right person for this role.
📆 Closing Date: 9am on Monday 31st August 2026
📆 Interviews: Friday 11th September
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Health Agency is committed to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery. We make recruitment decisions based on your experience and skills. For individuals with disabilities who require an accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, can email; Recruitment@thehealthagency.org.uk.The successful candidate will be required to be part of the PVG Scheme, The Health Agency will cover the cost of the application.