About the organisation

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

About the post

The post is currently funded until September 2022, with a possibility of extension.

About you

We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and girls. We particularly welcome applications from Black and Minoritised women. 

CV’s will not be accepted.

Closing date: 10am 3rd February 2022

Interview date: 14th February 2022

The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies. 

About the organisation

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.
We are delighted to receive funding from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to develop The Anita Project. The Anita Project has been devised to bring about long-term sustainable change for women facing multiple disadvantage and who are involved in prostitution in London. This service will build on nia’s existing work to support women to exit prostitution.

About the post

The post is currently funded until September 2022 (with a possibility of extension). It is our policy to try to offer staff alternative posts in the organisation if funding for the post they are filling ends.
This is an exciting new post focussing on supporting women to exit prostitution. The post holder will provide wide-ranging support with a particular focus on supporting women using drug and alcohol services, who are abused through ‘survival sex’. The postholder will be responsible for forging links with drug and alcohol services to ensure maximum engagement and take up of services from women who are being sexually exploited.

About you

We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and girls. Your values, attitude and abilities are as important as your experience.

CV’s will not be accepted.

Closing date: 10am 1st February 2022

Interview date: 11th February 2022

The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

About the Role

SBS is looking for 2 experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advocates to join our dynamic team in Southall to provide high-quality advice, support, and advocacy services to victims of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration, asylum, and No Recourse to Public Funds.

You will assist women to access support under various destitution schemes, promote social inclusion, encourage independence, and develop the personal resilience of women using our advocacy service.

Working within a multi-agency framework, you will ensure women’s needs are met by encouraging engagement with a range of SBS and external services, keeping service users at the heart of all service delivery.

About You

You will need a strong commitment to tackling all forms of violence against women and children, and to fighting for the freedoms and rights of women and girls.

You will have a sound understanding of the practical, emotional, social, and economic issues facing Black and minoritised women affected by domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse, and knowledge of the range of options available to survivors of domestic abuse including safe housing, criminal justice, and civil remedies.

You will have a CAADA/Safelives/Womens’ Aid IDVA/DAPA qualification, or be willing to undertake such training to ensure SBS provides the highest quality advocacy and casework to its service users.

About Southall Black Sisters

Originally set up in 1979, Southall Black Sisters (SBS) has established itself as an iconic organisation based in West London, but with a national reach and reputation for its landmark legal interventions, its contributions to changes in policy for the benefit of Black and minoritised women, and its unique approach to casework and advocacy.

In 1983, we set up a not for profit, advice, campaigning, resource, and advocacy centre for Black and minoritised women, defending women’s rights and freedoms, with a particular focus on challenging all forms of violence against South Asian women. SBS’ casework has highlighted flaws in community and state responses to Black and minoritised women and children and, alongside other BME organisations, we have developed a specialism in meeting the needs of Black and minoritised women and children that have been subjected to violence and abuse.

You will be joining a dynamic team of inspiring women, whose work empowers thousands of women worldwide to assert their fundamental human rights to justice, equality and freedom.

Working at Southall Black Sisters

Southall Black Sisters recognises that the nature of its work can be emotionally challenging, and is committed to maintaining a supportive working environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and safe. To that end, our employees benefit from:

• 25 days of annual leave (pro rata) excluding Bank Holidays, increasing by 1 additional day per completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists to help you to deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, physical/mental health, or general wellbeing
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore difficult issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• A 3% employer pension contribution

Due to the nature of our work, this post is open to Black and South Asian women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1). 

Surrey Based Advocacy Positions

We welcome applications from candidates either looking for part time hours, or who wish to apply for both posts to create a full time position

Relevant Persons Representative (R.P.R.)

(Primarily in East Surrey)

Applications for a part-time position 

(minimum 2 days per week initially, possibly increasing when demand arises).

 (up to £23K pro rata) 

Matrix SDT are seeking to employ a Relevant Persons Representative (RPR) to work with those lacking capacity and deprived of their liberty. The RPR work will primarily be in East Surrey and will be based from the post-holder’s home.

Previous advocacy experience or working with those lacking capacity is

 desirable though not essential for the role. Training will be provided.

There may be future opportunities to increase role or add other advocacy functions.

I.M.H.A./ CARE ACT ADVOCATE

15 to 22.5 HOURS P/W (2-3 days)

 (£21 - £25K pro rata dependent on experience and hours) 

Matrix SDT are seeking to employ an Independent Advocate to work with clients from Surrey with mental health issues and/or social care needs. The post will be based primarily in the East of Surrey at hospital sites (to be confirmed), with some community work in East Surrey.

Previous advocacy experience and an IMHA or Care Act qualification is

 desirable though not essential. Training will be given.

• Good holiday allowance.
• Flexible working hours considered.
• Small and supportive team
• We welcome application for both posts making a fte.

Role Overview

Job Title: Health Independent Gender Violence Advocate 

Location: Lewisham, London

Salary: £27,948 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Responsibilities

We are recruiting for a Health Independent Gender Violence Advocate to join our team in Lewisham. In this post you will be hospital based part of the time and that includes developing effective referral routes across a number of health department’s e.g. maternity service and accident and emergency (A&E) and identifying opportunities to develop and deliver training. You will be working closely with other health care professionals to build capacity and to develop joint working initiatives which address the specific health care needs of survivors of gender based violence

Essential Skills or Experience

You must have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to survivors of gender based violence, and of managing case work. In addition you will have experience of working within a health setting and the ability to manage in a crisis. Knowledge of the relevant housing, criminal, civil and welfare rights legislation is also essential.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervision for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Other information

Closing Date: Monday 31st January 2022 at 09:00 am

Interview Date: Friday 4th February 2022

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

About Us: CommunityConneX, formerly known as Harrow Mencap, is a campaigning organisation and a multi-project service provider supporting adults, young people and children with learning disabilities, other disadvantages - and their families and carers - to ensure their needs, rights and aspirations are met.

Role Purpose: To provide advocacy to individuals qualifying under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act or Children and Family Act.

Reporting to: Advocacy Services Manager, Care Act and Advocacy Services Business Unit, the jobholder will be responsible for the following key duties:

• To meet with clients to provide them with information on, and to help their voice heard, secure their rights, represent their interests, and obtain the services they need.
• To communicate with clients at a level which meets their needs.
• To support clients at key statutory meetings such as, social care reviews and assessments, CPA reviews, safeguarding meetings and meetings with legal professionals etc.
• To build and maintain up to date and accurate advocacy case notes using the service’s database system.
• To work flexibly as a team member contributing to service planning, implementation and provide seamless cover across the team.

Our ideal candidate should be experienced in this field and willing to work towards the City and Guilds Diploma in Advocacy.  We are looking for an individual passionate advocating and campaigning for disabled people and their carers to live independent lives, demonstrate an understanding of health and social care, manage self, document own work and project professional friendly attitude.

We are committed to safeguarding, equal opportunity, and we guarantee an interview to all applicants with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria

About The Advocacy Project

We help people who are marginalised or vulnerable because of their circumstances make their own choices about their lives. We support them to speak up and help improve important services we all need. We want to make sure people across all age and care groups – including learning disability and mental health – can:

• voice their concerns
• understand their rights
• make effective choices about what happens in their lives

We do this through advocacy services which support people individually, and user involvement projects that help organisations improve the services they offer

About the role

The post-holder will provide independent advocacy in various settings, including in the community, people’s homes, and hospital settings including mental health wards. You’ll raise awareness of advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the senior advocate. The post-holder will join the advocacy team for one or more of our west London services: Westminster, RBKC, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham. (We also deliver services in other locations including Hackney and Broadmoor Hospital, Berkshire). Please contact us for more information about the post location. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will be required to visit CQC registered care homes and would be subject to government requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide advocacy for eligible people under Mental Health Act 2007, the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and under the Care Act 2014.
• Provide a one-to-one advocacy service for people and undertake case work, evidencing and uploading case notes and data in a timely manner.
• Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy, where appropriate.
• Provide information, support or signpost clients in order to inform or empower individuals on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.
• Act as duty advocate for our Single Point of Access referral line on a rota basis.
•  Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.
• Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).
• Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients, where practical.
• Raise awareness of independent advocacy and referring pathways to eligible people and referring agencies.
•  Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.
• Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).
• Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.
• Be an active member of the advocacy service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.

General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to monitoring reports.
• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.
• Work to our mission, vision, and values.
• Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.
• Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.
• IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Experience of delivering different forms of advocacy (instructed and non-instructed; IMHA, ICAA, IMCA, IHCA,) within a statutory advocacy service.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act / Care Act and other statutory legislation as it applies to advocacy.
• Knowledge of mental health sections and social care services, including current issues in policy and practice.
• Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.
• Advocacy qualification.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff. Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan. All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues. We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer. 

How to apply

Send your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you think you’re the person we’re looking for and how your experience meets the person specification. It’s a legal requirement that you are eligible to work in the UK for all our posts. Upload your application via our website.

Home Based: Hounslow, London

Job reference: 185

Contract type: Permanent

Full time: 37 hours, 5 days per week working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Salary: £22,500.00 - £25,623.00 per annum (dependent on experience), plus London weighting £3,182.00 per annum + Benefits

Due to the nature of the role and In line with legislation, the successful candidate will need to confirm and demonstrate that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated, or be able to provide certified medical exemption.

Giving people a voice – and making sure it’s heard – is something POhWER does every day. We’re all about promoting equality, challenging unfairness and giving disadvantaged and vulnerable people access to high quality information, advice and advocacy services. POhWER is a registered charity that provides a range of services across England.

We are looking to recruit people who share our core values and can demonstrate that they apply and live those values in their daily working practice.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Independent Advocate to join our Hounslow team working on our Advocacy contract.

You will be supporting a wide range of vulnerable adults often with profound and multiple needs, so you will have experience of this type of work, along with a good working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Ideally, you will have strong experience working with vulnerable adults who are affected by significant health and social care issues who find it difficult to speak up for themselves; and experience providing persuasive verbal and written representations.

You will be a confident positive team player, able to work in partnership with clients and professionals, gaining an understanding of their issues by listening, exploring options and taking action as directed by them. Our ideal candidate will have worked in advocacy, information and advice or similar role before, ideally in a health, social care or voluntary setting and will have experience of working with vulnerable adults.

You will need to have a flexible attitude and must be comfortable handling highly sensitive information whilst able to work well independently and confidently on behalf of others. Strong communication skills and time management skills will be required and you will need to be computer literate.

Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area. Travel expenses will only be paid once in the London zones 1-6.

We apologise in advance, that if you do not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date then please presume that you have been unsuccessful.

As a minimum you should have:

• A good understanding of statutory advocacy under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• An understanding of relevant public sector complaints processes
• Experience providing written reports to a high standard
• Ability to form positive boundaried working relationships with a wide range of clients
• Ability to support clients who may have a range of particular communication and other needs
• Ability to provide non-instructed advocacy
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects
• Ability to research options to ensure clients can make an informed choice
• Excellent communications skills, able to communicate sensitively and empathetically
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals and other organisations
• Manage risk to self and others
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills
• An effective team player
• Flexible positive approach

Ideally you will also have:

• An excellent working knowledge and experience working within the frameworks of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• Knowledge of advocacy best practice and experience delivering advocacy to the highest standards
• Excellent knowledge of public and third sector organisations and processes
• Experience of using relevant complaints processes
• Completed the National Advocacy Qualification
• Knowledge of non-Instructed advocacy
• Experience of working with people with a range of needs including acquired brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health problems (including diagnosed mental disorders)
• Willingness to work in a range of environments

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter (cover letter no longer than 1 side of A4) before the application deadline 9am, Wednesday 2 February 2022. In your cover letter please include your reasons for applying for the role, how you meet the person specification criteria, if you hold a current driving licence and have access to your own vehicle and your notice period.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] .net quoting reference 185.

Interviews are due to held in person.

Previous unsuccessful candidates do not need to apply.

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 2 February 2022

Interviews: 18th February 2022

A DBS check will be required for this post.

Home Based: London

Job reference: 183

Contract type: Permanent

Full time: 37 hours, 5 days per week working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Salary: £22,500.00 - £25,623.00 per annum (dependent on experience), plus London Weighting £3,182.00 per annum + Benefits

Due to the nature of the role and In line with legislation, the successful candidate will need to confirm and demonstrate that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated, or be able to provide certified medical exemption.

Giving people a voice – and making sure it’s heard – is something POhWER does every day. We’re all about promoting equality, challenging unfairness and giving disadvantaged and vulnerable people access to high quality information, advice and advocacy services. POhWER is a registered charity that provides a range of services across England.

We are looking to recruit people who share our core values and can demonstrate that they apply and live those values in their daily working practice.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Independent Advocate to join our London team working on our Advocacy contract.

You will be supporting a wide range of vulnerable adults often with profound and multiple needs, so you will have experience of this type of work, along with a good working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Ideally, you will have strong experience working with vulnerable adults who are affected by significant health and social care issues who find it difficult to speak up for themselves; and experience providing persuasive verbal and written representations.

You will be a confident positive team player, able to work in partnership with clients and professionals, gaining an understanding of their issues by listening, exploring options and taking action as directed by them. Our ideal candidate will have worked in advocacy, information and advice or similar role before, ideally in a health, social care or voluntary setting and will have experience of working with vulnerable adults.

You will need to have a flexible attitude and must be comfortable handling highly sensitive information whilst able to work well independently and confidently on behalf of others. Strong communication skills and time management skills will be required and you will need to be computer literate.

Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area. Travel expenses will only be paid once in the London zones 1-6.

We apologise in advance, that if you do not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date then please presume that you have been unsuccessful.

As a minimum you should have:

• A good understanding of statutory advocacy under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• An understanding of relevant public sector complaints processes
• Experience providing written reports to a high standard
• Ability to form positive boundaried working relationships with a wide range of clients
• Ability to support clients who may have a range of particular communication and other needs
• Ability to provide non-instructed advocacy
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects
• Ability to research options to ensure clients can make an informed choice
• Excellent communications skills, able to communicate sensitively and empathetically
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals and other organisations
• Manage risk to self and others
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills
• An effective team player
• Flexible positive approach

Ideally you will also have:

• An excellent working knowledge and experience working within the frameworks of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• Knowledge of advocacy best practice and experience delivering advocacy to the highest standards
• Excellent knowledge of public and third sector organisations and processes
• Experience of using relevant complaints processes
• Completed the National Advocacy Qualification
• Knowledge of non-Instructed advocacy
• Experience of working with people with a range of needs including acquired brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health problems (including diagnosed mental disorders)
• Willingness to work in a range of environments

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter (cover letter no longer than 1 side of A4) before the application deadline 9am, Friday 28 January 2022. In your cover letter please include your reasons for applying for the role, how you meet the person specification criteria if you hold a current driving licence and have access to your own vehicle and your notice period.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] .net quoting reference 183.

Closing date: 9am, Friday 28 January 2022

Interviews: Due to be 16 February 2022

A DBS check will be required for this post.

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.

Role Overview

Job Title: Young Person's Advocate

Location: Barking & Dagenham, London  

Salary: £27,948 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Responsibilities

We are recruiting for the Young Person's Advocate to join our Barking & Dagenham team, successful candidate will support young people from the point of crisis to help ensure their safety, reduce risk, enable them to access community support services and achieve their life goals. The job holder will provide presentation and advocate on behalf of young people to partner agencies, including schools in Redbridge to recognise and respond appropriately and safely to young people affected by domestic abuse and other forms of violence and abuse.

Essential Skills or Experience

You must be methodical and well-organised, with proven experience of providing direct emotional, practical and welfare support, ideally within a relevant field such as a refuge, children’s advice centre or residential setting. You must have experience in identifying and responding to the risks to and needs of survivors of domestic violence. With an up-to-date knowledge of relevant civil and criminal legislation, you will have a demonstrable ability to use Microsoft Office and the ability to build and develop supportive relationships with young people affected by domestic violence.

Suitable candidate must be experienced in advocating in a multi-agency setting to secure positive life outcomes for your clients and to making the service a success.  A Safe Lives qualification is desirable.

You must be self-sufficient, assertive and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with empathy and sensitivity to build and develop supportive relationships with young people. You will maintain professional boundaries and adhere fully to Refuge’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervision for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Other information

Closing Date: Monday 24th January 2022 at 09:00 am

Interview Date: Tuesday 1st February 2022

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Job Title: Homeless Outreach Advocate

Employer: Coram Voice 

Salary: £25,500 (including London Weighting)

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Hours: 35 per week 

Location: Coram Campus, London

About this opportunity

• Are you looking for an exciting and unique opportunity to advance your skills, knowledge and experiences with children and young people?
• Are you passionate about upholding the rights of young people who are homeless?
• Are you a creative innovator with energy and drive to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people?
• Can you see yourself becoming a champion for young people experiencing homelessness, upholding Coram Voice as the leading children’s charity in this area?

Our Outreach Advocate will need to be innovative and constantly strive to find new ways to transform the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. You will be joining a highly committed and well supported team who are working together to champion the rights of children and young people.

Join Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in care and on the edge of care. We work side by side with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society and reach out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights and actively participate in decisions about their lives.

Coram Voice is part of the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Our vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 28 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing

Coram Voice particularly welcomes applications from care leavers or individuals with experience of being ‘looked after’ by the state. We are also actively encouraging applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

Closing Date: Monday 31st January at 10am

Interview Date: Week commencing 7th February 2022 

Women in Prison’s Project Workers deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending.

The Beth Centre (part of Women in Prison) is a women-only, safe, comfortable space with expert support for women at risk of or affected by the criminal justice system living in Lambeth.

The primary purpose of this role is to provide in-depth, ongoing support to a caseload of women in the community, co-located in hubs across South London. This programme is funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) co-commissioning grant, along with investment from the six Local Authorities, the Community Rehabilitation Company and NHS England. The funding will be used to develop and expand support for female offenders and women at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system across Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Croydon, Sutton and Wandsworth.

The Advocate will:

• Provide advocacy, support and advice services to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with, the criminal justice system.
• Liaise with key personnel in statutory, non- statutory and voluntary sector agencies to support clients.

• To provide Through the Gate support to women leaving custody returning to one of six the designated boroughs.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and women who have personal experience of the criminal justice system. The role is only open to women, in accordance with the sex-based exemptions of the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1.

Role Overview

Job Title: Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Fixed Term)

Location: Barking & Dagenham, London  

Salary: £27,948 per annum

Contract type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2023

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Responsibilities

We are recruiting for a Independent Gender Violence Advocate to join our team in Barking & Dagenham. In this role you will work closely with victims of gender based violence from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of gender based violence at the highest risk and their children.

This will involve establishing and prioritising the risks to and the needs of survivors of gender based violence and developing and delivering individual support and risk management plans in partnership with other agencies who attend the MARAC. You will advocate both verbally and in writing in a range of settings including civil and criminal proceedings and with criminal justice professionals.

Essential Skills or Experience

Suitable candidate must have proven experience of providing emotional and practical support to survivors of gender based violence, you will be experienced in identifying and responding to the risks to and needs of survivors. With an ability to work in crisis or under pressure, you will have an up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil legislation relating to gender-based violence. You will understand multi-agency partnership structures including the MARAC and have an ability to advocate on a client’s behalf in a range of settings. You will have strong written and verbal communication skills to write reports, deliver presentations and to communicate to stakeholders in a clear and effective way.

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. Occasional evening work may be required.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Benefits

Refuge offers: a competitive salary with annual progression within points of the salary grade; 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days; clinical supervision for all front line staff a pension scheme that includes a 6% employer contribution; as well as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Other information

Closing Date: Monday 24th January 2022 at 09:00 am

Interview Date: Tuesday 1st February 2022

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

We are looking for an Advocate/Adviser to join our Refugee and Migrant Rights Team for twelve months and focus exclusively on community sponsorship.

JOB PURPOSE

The post is part of a dynamic team that is both leading research on and developing solutions for the issues faced by refugees and migrants globally.

In this role you will steer on the development, implementation and evaluation of Amnesty International's advocacy, campaigning, communication and mobilization strategies to scale community sponsorship schemes in several countries. You will be responsible for the delivery of an externally funded project on community sponsorship, coordinating with colleagues in Amnesty International's International Secretariat, sections and structures, outside networks and other stakeholders.

The role is based in London.

ABOUT YOU

This is an exciting role for an engaging professional with at least three-five years of substantive experience of advocating, mobilising and communicating on the rights of refugees and migrants at national, regional and international level with innovation and impact. Experience of working with and coordinating engagement by partner organisations internationally, experience of mobilising and organising, as well as public communication skills, are essential. Specific experience on community sponsorship, as well as experience of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation are an asset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Head the development, implementation and evaluation of AI's advocacy and mobilization strategies and activities on community sponsorship;
• Contributes to the development of advocacy and mobilization strategies at the national, regional and international levels to scale community sponsorship schemes;
• Contributes to a communication strategy in order to reach specific audiences at the national, regional and international levels;
• Builds relationships with key internal and external actors to ensure effective advocacy;
• Works with partners to organize global meetings in order to achieve collective goals on community sponsorship;
• Develops, implements and reports on project plans, including to donors.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive experience of advocacy on refugee and migrant rights issues. Past experience of advocacy and campaigning to establish resettlement programs and/or alternative pathways schemes, in particular community sponsorship, would be an advantage;
• Extensive experience of mobilising and organising activists around refugee rights;
• Ability to create communication plans in order to reach specific target audiences;
• Ability to identify and exploit international opportunities to pursue AI's strategic aims and goals and to analyze implications for current plans;
• Ability to represent AI externally, including with government representatives, in IGO and NGO meetings and to the media;
• Ability to work as part of a coalition of organizations working towards a stated goal;
• Ability to develop project plans consistent with organizational strategies and priorities, to monitor these and evaluate outcomes. In particular, understanding of how to integrate live participation and meaningful engagement of refugees into project planning and delivery.

Please see the attached job description for full information on responsibilities and skills and experience required.

ABOUT US

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they're denied. And whether we're applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we're all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

For further information on our benefits, please visit

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click 'Apply for this Role' below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let's get to work.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.