Advocacy Officer

The Cedar Foundation; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization focused on disability support in Belfast seeks an Advocacy Support Officer to promote mental well-being and resilience among disabled individuals. The officer will create person-centred plans, maintain accurate records, and contribute to service improvements in a front-line capacity. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and experience in mental health advocacy, along with strong interpersonal and IT skills. The starting salary is £29,540 per annum (pro-rata).

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of paid experience in direct provision of education.
• 3 years of experience in relevant discipline is an alternative education qualification.
• Experience in working with individuals or groups with mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Create person-centred plans and safeguard rights.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to service improvement.
• Engage in front-line, rights-based advocacy.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in IT (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Teams)

Education

RQF level 6 or equivalent in Psychology/Education/Community work/Health and Social Care

Minimum RQF 4 or equivalent level

Job description

Purpose of the Job:The Advocacy Support Officer supports the Right Support Right Time project, promoting mental wellbeing and resilience for disabled individuals and their families.They provide one-to-one and group support tailored to individual needs, helping people access services, build life skills, sustain independence, and reduce isolation.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with partners, the officer creates person-centred plans, safeguards rights, and empowers individuals to manage their mental health.
• The role involves maintaining accurate case records and contributing to service improvement.
• It’s a front-line, rights-based role central to Cedar’s early intervention and inclusive mental health advocacy efforts.

Skills and Qualifications

• RQF level 6 (e.g. bachelor’s degree) or equivalent level in Psychology, Education, Community work or Health and Social Care or a relevant discipline professional qualification andMinimum 1 years’ paid-experience in direct provision of education or,
• Minimum RQF 4 or equivalent level in a relevant discipline and Minimum of 3 paid years’ experience as above.
• Ability to work independently with good organisations and interpersonal skills.A minimum of one year’s experience of working with people individually or in groups with mental health issues or personal lived experience.
• Detailed knowledge of disability and the ability to develop new ideas and initiatives to support development and participation.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, relationship building, negotiation and interpersonal skills to communicate with various stakeholder.Proficiency in IT skills, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Teams.

Further Information

Location: Head Office, 1 Ravenhill Reach Close, Belfast,Salary: Starting at £29,540 per annum (pro-rata).

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