About Company
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is a major NHS organisation responsible for the planning and provision of health services for people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. With a steadfast commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities, we are a values-driven organisation focusing on care, honesty, and respect in all our endeavours. We strive relentlessly to provide high-quality, compassionate care across all our services and are deeply dedicated to tackling persistent health inequalities and actively promoting healthier lifestyles across the entire region. Our extensive range of services includes acute care, community health, mental health support, and robust public health initiatives, serving a diverse population of over 470,000 individuals. Joining us means becoming an integral part of a passionate, multidisciplinary team making a tangible, life-changing difference to people’s lives every single day.
Job Description
Are you a compassionate, proactive individual with an unwavering passion for public health and a powerful drive to support vulnerable communities? Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is seeking a dedicated Medical Outreach Worker to join our dynamic Public Health team. This vital and impactful role involves actively engaging with underserved populations across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, bringing essential health information, critical support, and vital services directly to where they are needed most. You will be at the forefront of tackling persistent health inequalities, working tirelessly to improve health literacy, facilitate seamless access to crucial healthcare services, and promote preventative health measures that empower individuals to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Your day-to-day will involve connecting with individuals and groups in a variety of community settings, including homeless shelters, community centres, faith-based organisations, local parks, and through direct street outreach initiatives. This role is far from a typical desk job; it demands resilience, exceptional interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and a genuine, unwavering commitment to making a tangible and profound positive impact on the health outcomes of our diverse community members. You will play a crucial part in empowering individuals to take greater control of their health, helping them navigate complex health systems, and ensuring they access the vital resources they need to thrive and improve their overall well-being. This is an unparalleled opportunity to directly contribute to a healthier Cardiff and Vale for all.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct direct outreach activities in diverse community settings to engage effectively with hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations.
- Provide accessible, clear, and culturally sensitive health education on various critical public health topics (e.g., vaccinations, chronic disease management, mental health awareness, hygiene practices, healthy lifestyles).
- Assess individuals' health needs comprehensively and provide accurate information on available health and social care services, making appropriate referrals as necessary.
- Distribute relevant health promotion materials and educational resources to the community.
- Build trusting, respectful, and sustainable relationships with community members and local partner organisations.
- Act as a diligent advocate for individuals, actively helping them identify and overcome barriers to accessing essential healthcare services.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and detailed records of all outreach activities and client interactions in accordance with data protection policies.
- Contribute actively to the development and ongoing evaluation of outreach strategies and broader public health initiatives.
- Collaborate effectively and seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, social workers, and other allied healthcare professionals.
- Report regularly on community needs, emerging challenges, and successful interventions to inform ongoing public health planning and resource allocation.
- Respond to basic medical inquiries and provide immediate first-aid assistance if required, strictly within the defined scope of training and protocols.
Required Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to diverse audiences and literacy levels.
- Demonstrable empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental approach when working with vulnerable and diverse individuals.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport quickly and genuinely.
- Foundational knowledge of basic public health principles and common health issues affecting communities.
- Ability to work both independently with initiative and collaboratively as part of a team in dynamic, often challenging, community environments.
- Robust problem-solving skills and resourcefulness in overcoming practical obstacles.
- Proficiency in basic IT applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for effective record-keeping and communication.
- Valid UK driving license and consistent access to a reliable vehicle for extensive community travel.
- High level of cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree or diploma in Public Health, Social Work, Nursing, Community Development, or a closely related field.
- Previous experience (1-2 years) in outreach work, community health roles, social care, or directly working with vulnerable populations.
- Basic First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it promptly.
- Proficiency in Welsh language (desirable for serving bilingual communities within Cardiff and Vale).
- Familiarity with local health and social care services, organisations, and referral pathways in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
- Experience in delivering health education workshops or engaging presentations to groups.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary structure within nationally agreed NHS pay scales.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with length of service.
- Enrollment in the excellent and secure NHS Pension Scheme.
- Access to comprehensive training programs and continuous professional development opportunities to advance your career.
- Robust employee assistance programs and extensive wellbeing support services.
- Clear opportunities for career progression and advancement within the broader NHS framework.
- Working within a supportive, collaborative, and values-driven environment dedicated to profound community wellbeing.
- Consideration for flexible working options where operational requirements and service needs allow.
How to Apply
We strongly encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply for this impactful and rewarding position. To submit your application, please click on the link provided below, which will direct you to our official careers portal on NHS Jobs. Once there, please search for vacancies specifically within Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and look for roles related to community outreach or public health. Follow the clear instructions on the website to complete and submit your comprehensive application form.