Advocacy advisor jobs in belfast

Job Title: Money & Energy Adviser

Reports to: Money & Energy Advice Service Lead

Location:

Home based – one post

Home based with travel across the South West region as required – one post.

Hours: 35 hpw (full time) Monday to Friday. Hours to be agreed with successful candidate. Must be sufficiently flexible to work irregular hours as demanded by the requirements of the post

Contract: Full fixed term contract, ending 31 March 2026. Extension subject securing future funding.

Salary: 35 hpw £27,600 pa

(plus expenses, pension, and generous annual leave)

To deliver money and energy advice service for kidney patients struggling with their energy and water bills and other costs of living challenges. You will provide subject matter expert support within our Patient Support Services team, and will work closely with our Patient Support & Advocacy Officers to develop and grow this service in your area.

Summary
To raise awareness of the service and build strong relationships with kidney patients, professionals, and other kidney stakeholder groups in your defined geographic region.

Key responsibilities
• With support, establish the Kidney Care UK Money & Energy Advice Service in the region for patients and carers at risk of fuel poverty to access independent support on money and energy matters
• Responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Money & Energy Advice Service across the region, effectively managing an ongoing caseload
• Provide practical advice to patients, assessing their needs and identifying sources of support to resolve financial, practical and psychosocial challenges.

• Activities will include creating budget plans, completing income maximisation checks and benefit claims, carrying out switching exercises and Home Energy Surveys (this is not an exclusive list of tasks)
• Responsible for identifying cases where FSA approved advice is required, and supporting patients in the referral of their case to our approved partner organisation or other appropriate regional/national services

• Act as a gateway to local information and access to:

• Kidney Care UK Patient Grants service, raising awareness of the service and supporting applications
• Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Service, to ensure patients have access to reliable and accurate patient information relating to kidney disease, patient pathways, models of care, and patient choice
• Kidney Care UK Counselling Service and other appropriate services to meet patients’ emotional and physiological needs

• Work closely with local Kidney Care UK Patient Support & Advocacy Officers to ensure that patients receive expert advice in all areas of need, with smooth, effective handovers ensuring that patients feel supported and part of the Kidney Care UK ‘family’ at all times
• Maintain records on the Kidney Care UK database to support service delivery and communications with patients, and facility effective reporting to Kidney Care UK and our funders
• Raise awareness of Kidney Care UK and the benefit of its full range of Patient Support Services amongst kidney patients, their families, carers and professionals across the region
• Provide insight on patients’ concerns and unmet needs to inform Kidney Care UK research, campaigns, and new service development activity
• Work in a way that respects the personal, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the individual and maintains the confidentiality of information they may have shared with you

About NZF

National Zakat Foundation (NZF) gives Muslims around the UK a way to bring their Zakat to life.

It is the only organisation with a nationwide reach that helps Muslims calculate and give Zakat or apply for Zakat.

This is an exciting time to join NZF. With over ten years’ experience in collecting and distributing Zakat in the UK, NZF seeks to help as many people in need as possible with an experience that makes them feel valued members of the Muslim community.

How this post supports NZF’s vision and mission

The post-holder will be responsible for offering support to the Director of Finance and Governance to ensure effective outputs within a high-performance environment, adhering to the highest standards of corporate governance.

The main responsibilities of this role include tracking, collating, and recording essential performance information; providing administrative support for the Board meetings, sub-committees, working groups, senior leadership meetings and team meetings; maintaining governance procedures and ensuring their adherence; and managing and maintaining risk registers.

To succeed in this role, you will have a passion for the non-profit sector. You will be highly organised and diligent, showing great attention to detail. You will be proactive and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. You will have excellent people management skills with the ability to build effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ranging from senior managers, directors and external stakeholders. You will be highly motivated, versatile, empathetic, and have a good eye for detail. You will ensure that policies and processes are being implemented effectively across the organisation.

Typical Accountabilities of position:

Board and Senior Leadership meetings:

· Maintain a forward-looking calendar of Board, Board Committees and Senior Leadership Team meetings and agenda items and set up the meetings.

· Support line manager to prepare agendas, co-ordinate timely pre-read papers, write minutes, and track agreed actions.

· Maintain consistent Terms of Reference across all Board Committees.

· Provide administrative support to the line manager and Board with recruitment, induction, performance management and succession planning for the Board and Board committees.

· Manage and maintain Trustee documentation to ensure that information is transparent, up to date and readily accessible.

· Provide administrative support to the line manager and Board Chair with a periodic review of the Board, its value and behaviours, practice and operations.

Compliance:

· Ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines of Charity Commission, Companies House and other regulatory bodies.

· Coordinate the narrative, design and approval of the Annual Report and Accounts.

· Ensure appropriate governance information reflected in external communications.

· Ensure full and accurate reporting provided to grant funders.

Governance and risk management

· Support governance within the functions, and ensuring appropriate guidance and advice provided from those functions to the wider team.

· Manage and maintain risk registers across the departments.

Approach

· Comply with relevant legislation and regulation ensuring that good practice is observed.

· Understand and support the vision, mission and aims of NZF.

· Adhere to and champion NZF’s policy and practices on safeguarding.

· Ensure the approach is coordinated with key stakeholders across the organisation.

· Undertake any other duties requested by the line manager commensurate with the role.

Relationships and Stakeholders

· Executive Team, Trustees, Advisors and other staff across the organisation

· External consultants, freelancers, and partners

Why work with NZF?

• Flexible working 

• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity pay 

• Ethical pension 

• Health cash plan (Medicash) 

• Days off for religious holidays 

+ How to apply

Please send a cover letter with a CV. 

The cover letter must show why you are a suitable candidate, demonstrating any relevant knowledge and skils, experience and behaviours that match the requirements for the post. The cover letter should not exceed 2 sides of A4.

 Applications close – Friday 27 June 2025.

Interviews expected – Week Beginning 30 June 2025.

For more information about the role or how to apply, you can click on the job pack Governance Officer Job  on the website ( NZF) under vacancies. 

Note: an application for a DBS certificate wil be submitted in the event of the individual being offered the position. A copy of the Charity’s ‘Hiring policy -ex offenders’ is available on request. 

Every day, the TSA’s small support and information team make a real difference to people affected by the rare genetic condition Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) and their loved ones. In this vital role, you will help to maintain our high support standards at the TSA, including through operating on the TSA Support Line, developing content for a wide range of platforms and needs, and occasionally attending virtual and in-person TSA events.

You'll be part of a flexible, passionate, welcoming and wholly home-based team, who know they improve the world every single day. The role includes (pro-rata) 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and the working days that fall between Christmas Day and New Year.

On the TSA Support Line, you will provide support and information regarding TSC via telephone, email and webchat. You will offer an informed, non-judgemental and empathetic listening ear to individuals and families at every step of their journey. The type of enquiries we receive are wide ranging, covering matters such as health, social care and education. You will also engage with professionals supporting people with the condition.

You will have a key role in researching, developing, and updating information across our various platforms including (but not limited to) content for our website, social media, support line materials, leaflets, e-newsletter and our community magazine. The primary audience of the materials will be the TSC community. Materials used by NHS clinics and clinicians are also developed by us, which you will have a central part in developing.

You will help to ensure that our internal processes are effective, and the information that we provide to the TSC community is timely, up-to-date, and relevant.

You will attend TSA events (virtually and in-person) to market the TSA Support Line services, participate in sessions and assist in support-related issues.

We are a small but very impactful charity, where roles are wide-reaching. Although this role is focused on support and information services, the successful candidate should also expect to get involved with projects from other TSA teams including communications, research and fundraising.

Responsibilities

1. TSA Support Line

1.1 Through the TSA Support Line, you will provide information and support to individuals living with TSC, their families and professionals by telephone, email and webchat, ensuring that:

• All enquiries received through the TSA Support Line receive a response based on high quality, up-to-date and evidence-based information.
• You log, triage and respond to enquiries received by telephone, email, post and webchat in line with agreed timelines, policies and procedures.
• You direct non-support related enquiries to appropriate TSA staff, taking messages where necessary.
• You are sensitive and responsive to the needs of the individuals living with TSC, family members and health, social care and education professionals using the TSA Support Line.
• You provide time-limited, structured support through formal case management processes for a small number of individuals and families who are most vulnerable and who need regular help and support. This includes individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, and families who face a wide range of challenges accessing health, social care and education services for their loved ones.
• You collect and accurately record data enabling the TSA to monitor and evaluate the performance of the TSA Support Line, including usage data (such as number and length of calls), qualitative information (feedback from service users) and data collected in conversation (such as logging broad categories of issues that service users are facing).
• You support individuals and families who wish to apply for financial support from the TSA Support Fund, helping them to complete the relevant application forms, ensuring that they supply documentary evidence, and logging their application appropriately for audit and compliance.
• Your support demonstrates best practice and complies with the law on safeguarding (making sure we are working appropriately with vulnerable adults and children) and data protection (making sure that we are handling all sensitive data appropriately).
• You proactively engage with regular reflective practice and supervision to safeguard your own health and wellbeing and support individual and team learning. This will include individual supervision through regular 1-2-1s with your line manager and team supervision through weekly calls for all those working on the support line.
• You will contribute your expert insight into the challenges and issues that the TSC community are facing to help colleagues across the organisation develop information materials, online resources and event agendas for communications channels including the TSA’s community magazine ('Scan'), our website, social media and events.
• You will ensure that internal processes for recording TSA Support Line enquiries, and signposting information on the support line, are maintained to a high standard and kept up to date.

1.2 You will play a key role in the TSA’s safeguarding as part of your work on the TSA Support Line and in supporting other members of staff with any questions that they have.

1.3 You will ensure confidentiality in the provision of the TSA Support Line, managing conversations and relationships tactfully and diplomatically with members of our small community who may also interact regularly with the charity at face-to-face and virtual events and through our social media channels. 

1.4 You will work closely with colleagues from across the TSA to ensure that our support and information services are joined-up with and informed by other services offered by the TSA more broadly across our website, social media channels, Scan and face-to-face and virtual events.

1.5 You will help to ensure that the TSA Support Line demonstrates best practice in the provision of support and information. You will work with the Joint Chief Executive and Support and Information Manager to develop proposals to develop and market the service that are joined-up with the support provided across our website, social media channels, Scan and face-to-face and virtual events.

2 Support, information and signposting

2.1 Ensure that high quality, up-to-date and evidence-based information is available to individuals and families living with TSC, and the professionals that support them. Regularly review, draft and develop new materials to support people affected by the condition.

2.2 Work with the Joint Chief Executive and Support and Information Manager to develop appropriate and consistent information to signpost TSA Support Line service users to external partner organisations that can provide specialist support for specific aspects of TSC (such as autism or mental health issues) and living with TSC (such as finding a job or facing bereavement).

2.3 Initiate and maintain regular contact with NHS TSC clinics across the UK to encourage greater communication and support between the TSA and TSC clinics. This could include encouraging clinics to join the NHS TSC Rare Disease Collaborative Network (RDCN), liaising with TSA Medical Advisers about medical support line enquiries, or working with clinics to better understand how the TSA can best help them.

2.4 Work closely with the rest of the TSA including communications, research and fundraising, to demonstrate current knowledge of the work of the organisation and developments in TSC.

2.5 Keep up to date with external events and news and draft relevant content for social media, physical media, e-news and the community magazine, Scan, to support and inform the TSC community.

2 TSA events

2.1 Attend TSA face-to-face and virtual events each year to market the TSA Support Line to people living with TSC, their families and professionals (up to approximately seven face-to-face events per year). General events assistance for the event on the day of face-to-face events will also be expected (for example, this could include time on the reception desk or directing attendees between sessions). Face-to-face events could include Outlook (for adults living with TSC), Big Day (our annual meeting for everyone in the TSC community), Family Fun Days (for younger families), TSA Togethers (regional events) and events for NHS TSC clinicians. Time off in lieu will be given for evening and weekend events, or events outside of your usual working days.

2.2 Help to generate ideas for sessions at TSA events by identifying any trends in information and support needs through the TSA Support Line.

4 Supporting health, social care and education professionals

4.1 Develop and maintain training and education materials to help health, social care and education professionals to better understand the impact of TSC.

4.2 Act as a point of contact for professionals who contact the TSA, working with colleagues to build credibility and strong working relationships with them.

Other requirements of the post

The post holder must be prepared to work flexibly to meet the needs of the organisation. This will entail occasional evening and weekend work. Regular travel within the UK will be needed for team meetings, TSA events and training provision. This would normally require access to a car (mileage will be paid) or travel by public transport (tickets will be paid).

The post holder will be expected to have adequate homeworking facilities to allow them to fulfil the role to the best of their abilities.

A DBS disclosure will be required prior to taking up post.

Training on helplines from the Helplines Partnership and on the Virtual Call Centre and database, Beacon, by the in-house team can be provided.

About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Pathfinders is a user-led charity run by and for people living with muscle-weakening conditions. We support disabled people and those who employ personal assistants (PAs) through peer support, information, training, and advocacy. We believe in the power of lived experience and centre disabled voices in everything we do.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Project Coordinator to lead the delivery of an exciting new learning and development project for individual employers and personal assistants. The project will support people who employ PAs through direct payments and their PAs to develop the knowledge and skills they need through videos, peer-led training, discussion sessions, and case studies.

You will oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of the project, ensuring activities run smoothly, are well-attended, and meet the needs of learners. You’ll work closely with people with lived experience of employing PAs, guest speakers, partner organisations, and the wider Pathfinders team to deliver high-quality, accessible training and resources.

We will prioritise applications from people with lived experience of employing PAs, or who have supported others to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the delivery of the training project, including scheduling and facilitating sessions, managing communications, and tracking progress against objectives.

• Work with Pathfinders staff, guest speakers and people with lived experience to produce a series of bite-sized training videos for PAs and employers.

• Organise and support delivery of:

  • Fortnightly peer-learning sessions for PA employers

  • Monthly case study sessions for PAs

  • Monthly “Train the Trainer” classes for employers

• Engage and support participants, including managing bookings, sending reminders, and providing follow-up information.

• Promote the project in collaboration with our communications team and external partners, including disability charities, PA networks, and local authorities.

• Gather feedback, measure impact and contribute to reporting for the funder.

• Support participants to access additional training opportunities (e.g. SfC resources, the Individual Employer Fund, local training).

• Ensure accessibility and inclusion are embedded in all activities.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong project coordination skills and the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously

• Excellent communication and people skills – confident talking to diverse audiences including disabled people, PAs, professionals and partner organisations

• A clear understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of employing personal assistants

• Good digital skills and confidence using online platforms like Zoom, Google Drive, Microsoft Office and social media

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and meet deadlines

• Committed to inclusion, accessibility and user-led values

Desirable:

• Lived experience of employing PAs or supporting someone who does

• Lived experience of a muscle-weakening condition 

• Experience creating or coordinating learning content or training sessions

• Experience working in the disability, health or social care sector

• Knowledge of direct payments and personalisation in adult social care

Timeline:
The closing date for this role is 7th July, with interviews to be held between 14th-18th July. 

The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) is seeking a motivated and organised Technical and Engagement Officer to join our small, friendly and flexible team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a charity dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s ancient and veteran trees, along with their wildlife, heritage and cultural values. 

This role is vital to achieving our strategic outcomes by providing expert technical advice, supporting and collaborating with the Technical Advisory Panel to develop authoritative guidance and publications. You will act as a key contact for public and stakeholder enquiries and contribute technical expertise to ATF’s communications across our website, newsletter, social media and press activity. 

You will engage with sector networks, collaborate with partners and support strategic messaging. This role will help strengthen the charity’s visibility and impact in ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection.