Role: Independent Advocate
Location:Various locations with travel and support required across Northern Ireland
Salary : £33,649.03
Hours:FT or PT or Bank hours available
How to Apply:Send your CV towith Job title and your name in the Subject line.Please specify what hours you are applying for.
Closing date: Friday 23rd October
Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more. Ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society. As part of our ongoing development and organisational developments, we are currently seeking an Independent Advocate to support and work alongside our already brilliant advocacy Team. This role will be essential in maintaining the advocacy support provided by Disability Action and supporting our efforts to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. The successful candidate will report into the Advocacy Manager.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the Independent Advocate will include:
- To act as an advocate with Trust service users and arrange and attend meetings as appropriate.Building the independenceofserviceusers,includingsupportingservice users in speaking up or acting for themselves or, at times when they are unable to do so, speaking or acting on their behalf if they wish this to happen.
- Toworkwithpeoplewithlearningdisabilitiesinarangeof settings including the community, supported living and in hospital or assessment centres.
- ToworkwithintheAdvocacyNetworkNorthernIrelandCode of Practice for Independent Advocates.
- To take on advocacy cases as allocated by the Advocacy Managerandprioritiseworkloadbasedoncontractcriteria.
- To ensure, where appropriate, that there is ongoing consent with the service user and maintain written and accurate recordsthatreflecttheirwillandpreferencesandexplanation of how and when this was obtained.
- Toworkwithpeoplewithlearningdisabilitiestoenablepeople to make informed choices.To make referrals to specialist agencies and individuals when appropriate.
- To work in partnership with other agencies and individuals acrosspathwaysofcaretoensurecorrectlevelsofsupport are in place.
- To manage caseloads effectively, ensuring all work is completedwithinagreedservicetimeframes,performance standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Accuratelyrecord,updateandmanageclientenquiries,advice and casework information using the Advice Pro case managementsystem,ensuringdataquality,confidentialityand compliance with organisational procedures.
- To adhere to all Disability Action policies, procedures, StandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)andguidelines
- Keepuptodatewithrelevant legislation,policiesandbest practice guidance
- Maintainclearprofessionalboundariesandworkwithinthe scope of and remit of the advocacy role at all times
- Seekadvice,supervisionandsupportwhenmanaging complex, high risk or boundary-related situations
- Maintainprofessionalobjectivitywhilebuildingsupportive relationships with service users
- To undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time by Disability Action in line with the status of the post.
EssentialCriteria
- Twoyearsexperienceofdeliveringadvocacyinapaidof unpaid capacity
- Accredited Level 4 Award in Independent Advocacy (or a willingnesstoworktowardsachievingthiswithinthefirst12 months of employment), a third-level qualification, or an equivalent qualification.
- Evidenceandunderstandingofmanagingacaseload.
- Anunderstandingofthechallengesfacedbypeoplewhoare facing disadvantage
- Theabilitytoworkonowninitiativeandaspartofateam
- Excellent(a)interpersonalskills,(b)oralcommunicationskills and (c) written communication skills
- Understandingofthecomplexitiesofattainingtheperspective of people who lack mental capacity in decision making
- Understandingofequalopportunitiespolicy
- Abilitytokeepuptodateaccurateandaccessibleelectronic and paper case records
- Possession of a full driving licence and access to a car for business travel*
DesirableCriteria
Desirable Requirements:
- Livedexperienceofdisability
- Asocialworkqualification
- An understanding of the complexity of the Northern Ireland Social Care System
*If the effects of a disability preclude an individual from holding a driving licence, please indicate how you can meet the mobility requirements of the post i.e. the ability to travel throughout Northern Ireland, during normal working hours and on some occasions at evenings and weekends
Workwithus
Whatwecanofferyou:
- EnhancedMaternitypackages
- HybridWorking
- DeathinServicepackage
- Cashplan
- InhouseCounsellingservices
- Commitmenttodiversity,inclusion,andemployeewell-being
- 27dayspaidholidaysperyearand11bankholidays (Based on a full time role)
- Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans
AdditionalInformation
Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongsideasupportiveenvironmentthatencouragesprofessional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace.
We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role.
WHJS1_NI
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