Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Sussex Beacon is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment where difference is valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and from communities that are underrepresented within health and social care services.
Who We Are
The Sussex Beacon was established as a hospice and charity in 1993, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people across Sussex who are living with or affected by HIV. We provide specialist clinical care, emotional support, and community services that help individuals manage the medical, psychological, and social challenges associated with HIV.
While treatment has advanced significantly, people living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience higher rates of chronic health conditions and age-related co-morbidities. In Sussex, 61% of those accessing services are now over the age of 50. This ageing population, combined with the long-term impact of HIV and its treatments, means that many experience increased frailty, multi-morbidity, and complex psycho-social and physical care needs.
Our service users frequently experience significant health inequalities they often come from marginalised communities and may face intersectional discrimination related to gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, or migration status. Many also live with the ongoing effects of stigma, trauma, socio-economic disadvantage, and social isolation.
The Sussex Beacon plays a vital role in addressing these inequalities. Through inclusive, person-centred services, we work to promote dignity, resilience, and improved quality of life for everyone who comes through our doors.
The Sussex Beacon offers a range of services to people who have been living with HIV for decades to those who are newly diagnosed. Our services include:
- Community Nurse-led Clinical Hub
- Community Outreach Support Services
- Peer Mentoring
- Living Well Exercise Programme
- Day Services and Group Work.
The Sussex Beacon has two charity shops in Brighton and an active fundraising team who help raise the money we need to keep our services running for the people who need them across Sussex.
Our Future
Over the past 18 months we have been working very closely with local commissioners and the wider NHS and other health and community providers to re-instate our unique hospice inpatient clinical palliative care for people living with HIV.
As part of our new strategic direction, we will build on our expertise, experience and cultural competence to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people who choose the Sussex Beacon because of our trusted reputation and proud history of affirmation and inclusion for palliative and end of life care.
Our Community Services Team is an essential part of the support pathway for people living with HIV in Sussex; the team plays a crucial part in supporting vulnerable people living with HIV assisting them navigate health and support services; intervening in a timely manner to prevent crisis and providing integrated multi-agency support for those who are struggling with their physical and mental wellbeing.
Our Values
Whilst we are completing our strategic plan; we have adopted the widely recognised I CARE model of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence to demonstrate the values that underpin and reflect our approach, behaviours and culture.
I CARE
Integrity - We are honest and open We are trustworthy and authentic in our relationships with others We strive to do the right thing, accept feedback and learning
Compassion - We are kind, supportive and caring We have empathy, we listen and learn from those around us We relate to people with warmth and understanding
Accountability - We own our actions and work collaboratively as one united team We are responsible for our work, performance and behaviour We do not blame or deflect, acknowledge and learn from our mistakes
Respect - We are inclusive, value difference and work together to deliver our vision We are sensitive to the spectrum of experience and views of others We treat everybody with dignity and affirm their identities
Excellence - We strive for quality & continuous improvement We are open to innovation, development and change We share our skills, knowledge and learning to wider systems improvement
Role Summary
This is a blended facilitation and support role, combining the delivery of structured HIV Day Services group work with a small caseload of individual support for attendees who have additional practical, emotional or social care needs
Our twice weekly Day Service sessions provide an important place of safety and community for people living with HIV. This is a closed group with referrals from HIV healthcare teams, GPs and support providers in both local authorities and third sector. People living with HIV may also self-refer.
The groups are topic focused but also are a critical place for peer support and information about living with HIV. Most importantly our groups are a place of joy and affirmation where people can be their authentic selves.
Many of our service users experience loneliness and isolation which is frequently related to HIV stigma, trauma, socio-economic deprivation and intersecting discrimination.
The postholder will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of sessions and will carry a small caseload of day service attendees.
This role sits within the Community Services Team.
Key Responsibilities
Day Service Group
- Organising twice weekly safe and inclusive group sessions
- Deliver weekly educational or workshop sessions.
- Book regular external guest speakers
- Listen to service user requests
Assessment & Care Planning
- Work with the Community Services Manager to assess new day service referrals
- Undertake needs assessments and develop individualised holistic care plans.
- Regularly review client progress and adjust plans to match evolving needs
Casework & Support
- Carry a caseload of clients
- Provide emotional and practical support, encouraging adherence to HIV treatment plans and regular clinic attendance
- Maintain regular contact with day service clients to track progress and address challenges.
- Record all interactions, services provided, and outcomes accurately and in line with confidentiality and organisational policies and procedures
Advocacy & Navigation
- Act as an advocate for clients, ensuring access to medical, mental health, housing, and social support services.
- Assist clients in navigating healthcare systems, scheduling appointments, and managing referrals.
Partnership Working
- Build and maintain referral pathways between organisations and work collaboratively with external agencies and other HIV support providers.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
- Adopt a professionally curious approach to Identify safeguarding concerns and follow organisational procedures including referrals to Adult and Children’s Social Care Teams
- Undertake risk assessments and reviews
- Apply trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches
Stigma Reduction
- Support individuals to manage HIV-related stigma
- Provide guidance around status sharing, relationships and emotional wellbeing
Organisational Responsibilities
- Uphold the values and mission of The Sussex Beacon
- Participate in supervision, meetings, training and service development
- Maintain ongoing professional development
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Lived Experience
We warmly welcome applications from people living with HIV. Status sharing is entirely voluntary and will not affect recruitment decisions
We recognise that candidates may not fulfil all of the person specification below, we are interested in the development of individuals who bring personal experience, qualities and skills that can be developed.
Qualifications & Training
Good general education
Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in health, social care or community
Evidence of continuous professional development
Experience
Experience working with individuals with complex needs.
Experience of building trust within communities where HIV stigma may be heightened
due to cultural or religious beliefs. This may include providing HIV education that
respects cultural values and addresses myths or misconceptions built in the history
of HIV in the UK.
Experience of supporting and advocating for service users who may have experienced
discrimination in healthcare, housing, and employment, which may be less
prominent in non-HIV casework.
Experience of co-ordinating, developing and delivering groupwork
Experience of trauma-informed practice
Knowledge, Ability & Skills
A knowledge of groupwork interventions and ability to plan and deliver interesting and
engaging group work for adults
Ability to manage group dynamics, support participation and managing participants
who may disagree
Ability to adapt content to ensure that groups are accessible to those that may have impairments that may require a
little more individual support or thoughtfulness regarding involvement
Strong understanding of trauma-informed, person-centred and inclusive care
principles and ability to maintain professional boundaries.
A good knowledge of Sussex-based support services in the statutory and third sector
including HIV healthcare, substance misuse services and women’s support services.
Knowledge and understanding of cultural norms, beliefs, and practices that influence
health behaviours, HIV stigma, and disclosure.
Ability to support adherence to treatment
Excellent communication, interpersonal and documentation skills
Ability to adapt sessions to ensure that people with additional needs can access day
services
Ability to support service users to navigate health and social care providers work
collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate complex case support needs
Knowledge and understanding of equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
and awareness of cultural competencies and intersectional factors with regards to
the spectrum of people living with HIV
Knowledge and proven ability to undertake and be accountable for safeguarding
processes and monitoring, risk assessment, and risk reviews.
Competent IT skills (Microsoft Office suite).
Work with community leaders, faith groups, and local support organisations to
improve outreach and reduce stigma.
Work with the leadership team to support the embedding of local related
perspectives into organisational planning, ensuring policies, communications, and
services are culturally affirming.
Teamwork
Ability to receive and to provide constructive feedback, work collaboratively with
peers to positively meet challenges adapt to change, demonstrate an ability to
problem-solve and work under pressure.
Ability to support other team members and where appropriate students
A commitment to modelling the I CARE values of compassion, inclusivity and non-
judgemental approach, valuing service users and colleagues, embracing diversity
and gender-affirming support and care.
Commitment to equalities, inclusion and diversity principles and practice and service
user involvement.
Values & Attitudes
Commitment to reflective practice and a supportive learning environment; supporting
learning from mistakes and contributing to a positive and inclusive culture.
Flexible, positive and proactive approach to problem-solving, maintaining exemplary behaviours and professional integrity
Works collaboratively and communicates openly, building trust within the team and
contributing to a supportive, transparent working environment.
Energy and motivation to support clients and colleagues.
Ability to plan and manage own time, remain calm under pressure, and use initiative.
Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings
Commitment to professional development, appraisal and maintaining relevant
registration
Commitment to equalities, inclusion and diversity principles and practice and service
user involvement.
Upholds the values and mission of The Sussex Beacon
Other Requirements
Commitment to personal wellbeing, supervision and appraisal
Pay: £14.25 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
