Independent Advocate

POhWER; West Midlands Combined Authority; Remote; GBP 13,000 - 14,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits with a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advocacy and support for vulnerable adults. As a part-time Independent Advocate, you will play a crucial role in empowering individuals, providing vital support in navigating health and social care challenges. This position offers flexibility and the chance to work from home while making a significant impact in your community. With comprehensive training and a supportive team, you will develop your skills in advocacy and client representation. Join this passionate team and help ensure that every voice is heard and valued, making a real difference in the lives of those you serve.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension plan

Death in service cover

Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan

Bike to work scheme

Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas

Community Leave Day

Qualifications

• Minimum level 6 British Sign Language required.
• Strong communication and IT skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to vulnerable adults facing health and social care challenges.
• Deliver verbal and written representations on behalf of clients.

Skills

British Sign Language (level 6)

Communication Skills

Time Management

IT Skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel)

Attention to Detail

Education

Relevant qualifications in advocacy or social care

Tools

Client Management Databases

Job description

Due to a specific element of this role, a minimum of level 6 British Sign Language is required.

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time Independent Advocate to join our Birmingham team. This role covers statutory and non-statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, and Care Act Advocacy. The post will be home-based, working across Birmingham including providing support for the Deaf Mental Health secure hospital wards in our area.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently. We provide a full induction and training, equipment including a laptop and mobile phone, and the opportunity to gain the IAP (Independent Advocacy Qualification).

Hours of Work: Part Time: 22.2 hours, 3 days per week working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

Location: Home-based with travel across Birmingham and the surrounding area. (Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport. Expenses paid within the Birmingham area.)

Salary: £13,852.80 - £13,975.20 (Full-time equivalent £23,088.00 - £23,292.00) per annum (dependent on experience) + Benefits! 25 days annual leave (pro rata), with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.

Contract: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Independent Advocate Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 year’s service.
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.
• Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9am, Friday 10th January 2025 - Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early.

Interview Date: TBC

For an informal discussion please contact 0300 456 2370 and ask for a call back from the recruiting manager.

A DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a member of the Positive About Disability scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.