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 in Bedfordshire. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

**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.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

**About the role**

**About you**

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or 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.

**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.

**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 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

**Benefits**:

- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part time colleagues
- 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

**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**

**Important Dates**:
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.

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

We look forward to hearing from you.

**NB**:
The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.