Multi-contract Advocate

**_Do_** **_you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need? _**

**_Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?_**

**_ Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?_**

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support. If you already have an IAP City and Guilds Level 4 with a specialism, we would be interested to hear from you too.

**Professional Development?**

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain or to already hold, the level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

**Benefits**:

- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Separate Life Assurance Cover
- Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
- Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme.
- Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance.
- Support with continuous professional development.

**About us**

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

**About the role**

We have an exciting opportunity for a Multi-Contract Advocate to join our team covering Northwest England to provide remote advocacy across the UK; and face-to-face advocacy in the area across multiple contracts. Your role will require some travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and will be home based for administrative tasks. Full time Advocates will work 35 hours a week, between Monday and Friday 9am - 5pm. The posts are permanent contracts with a starting salary between £22,000 - £29,000 per annum, depending on qualifications held.

**How will you make a difference?**

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.

**About you**

Desirably you will have some experience of working, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance and have an understanding or the principles of Advocacy. This could be in a paid or voluntary capacity.

**Equality and Diversity**

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

**How to apply**

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

**Hint**: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

**Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?**

Please contact Louise Abbs, Director of Operations, on

**NB**:

- If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy qualification, it is a requirement that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
- Unqualified Advocates will start at £22,000 per annum