JOB DESCRIPTION
Innovation Fund Development Worker (Edinburgh)
Action on Depression
Reports to:
Based at:
Hours:
Salary:
Chief Executive Officer, Action on Depression (AoD)
21 – 23 Hill Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JP although post-holder
will be expected to travel across Edinburgh
10 hours per week. Hours will be agreed with your line
manager. Flexible place of work.
Some evening and weekend work may required.
£ 24,296 per annum ( pro rata ) plus 5% non-contributory
pension
Scope:
Action on Depression represents people in Scotland who are affected by depression and anxiety,
by providing information and support services. We also campaign on behalf of all those living
with the condition and undertake research into the causes and treatments available.
Action on Depression delivers a range of person centred services which include peer support
groups, e-mail information service, depression awareness raising, a supported on-line “Living life
to the Full Interactive” (LLTTFi) programme, and life-skills courses (where local workers are
funded).
The role
The Innovation Fund Development Worker (Edinburgh) plays a key part in delivering Action on
Depression’s community work in Health & Social Care integration. The role has been developed
to build local capacity for supporting people with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety in
the area. There are a number of other ICF projects in Edinburgh.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Service delivery
 To identify clients from the target population in Edinburgh and deliver a range of selfhelp, recovery focussed training courses to adults with a co-morbidity experiencing low
mood and depression using a range of delivery options (primarily group-work).
 To train staff and volunteers from local community organisations in the delivery of a range
of self-help training courses and to provide ongoing mentoring and support where
required.
 To raise awareness of depression for people experiencing low mood and depression and
those living and working with those affected by depression.
 To promote Action on Depression’s national support services (on-line self-help
programme, information services, publications and websites) and local support services
available to adults in the area.
 To have a key local presence at relevant events and key local working forums.
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To work in partnership with key providers to support and enhance local efforts in
addressing the mental health needs of people across the area.
To collect and collate data for both evaluation of service delivery and monitoring AoD
outcomes to be used for service development and assist with the preparation of regular
progress reports for funding bodies and the AoD Board.
To actively fundraise to support the ongoing work of AoD both locally and nationally.
Service development
 To support the Chief Executive Officer with the development of additional training
approaches as the service develops.
Management
 To recruit, train and support a pool of regional volunteers to assist with all functions of
the organisation, including for example the delivery of new forms of training, fundraising,
awareness raising and promotion of AoD services generally, and the setting up and
running of local self-help support groups, as agreed in the ongoing discussions with the
CX.
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General
To work in a co-operative, team-focused and constructive manner with the other
Community Development Worker, and other colleagues in AoD.
To contribute positively and creatively to the regular discussion of work priorities and
work plans with the CX, and also with the other members of the Community Development
Team, to fulfil the role as effectively as possible.
To fulfil the various administrative aspects of the role as effectively as possible, for
example in terms of annual leave recording, expenses etc.
To uphold in practical and positive ways the values, priorities and ethics of Action on
Depression.
To complete any other duties that may be reasonably required, as identified in the
ongoing support and supervision meetings.
Please note that the post will require frequent travel throughout the Lothian region.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Board of Directors (AoD), Chief Executive, other Community Development Team
Members, members of AoD team, subgroup members, volunteers and users of services.
External: Funding bodies, EVOC, City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian representatives national
and local project team leaders and partnership agencies across the community, voluntary and
statutory sector.
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