This role will suit someone who seeks to develop into an SBS advocate and has some of the skill sets in the job description and seeks to acquire new skills. You will receive regular training and be closely supervised to:
- Conduct casework by providing high quality and comprehensive advice, information, and practical support relating to gender based violence against BME women and children.
- promote the participation and engagement of service users with SBS holistic services
- promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for BME women and children.
Ability to speak fluently a South Asian language essential (Punjabi or Hindi or Urdu preferred)
In light of the nature and context of the work of SBS, the organisation considers that the candidate’s race and gender (BME) to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Para 1, Schedule 9, of the Equality Act 2010
We are a group of black and minority women with years of experience of struggling for women’s human rights in the UK. Although based loca... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description:
Duties and Responsibilities
Practice-based work
- To deliver training to health care professionals about DVA in participating general practices
- To promote awareness of the experiences and needs of women living with or escaping DVA, particularly in relation to their health
- To develop a good relationship with all general practice staff and work effectively as part of the practice team. This includes:
- provision of systematic support to the primary care teams of participating general practices, including meeting with individuals and small groups of clinical and administrative staff
- Working closely with practice champions in each practice
- Attending relevant meetings
- To further develop effective assessment and monitoring procedures and ensure that clear accurate records are kept and maintained
- To review number of advocate referrals made by clinicians in participating general practices
- To feedback on the use of the electronic template linked to the project (HARKS) and provide patient feedback and case updates /outcomes
Advocacy and support service
- To provide support to women experiencing DVA referred or signposted by primary health care clinicians from participating practices
- To provide direct casework support, advice, information and advocacy to women experiencing DVA through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the relevant practice
- To work with women experiencing DVA to increase their personal safety (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights
- To develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies when needed. This will include referral to colleagues within the specialist agency, to other specialist DVA services or other external agencies when appropriate
- To keep accurate records of all work done with or on behalf of clients and produce written reports as requested, including a monthly report of referrals from clinicians participating in the IRIS programme and the take up of these referrals advocacy including outputs and patient outcomes
- To contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the project.
Administration and Monitoring
- To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems
- To keep accurate records of financial transitions in line with BSWA’s procedures
- To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date
- To monitor and evaluate the service, via various methods including feedback from service users
- To contribute where appropriate to the preparation of returns for funders
· Communication:
- To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the staff, volunteers and service users by:
- Maintaining BSWA communication records
- Following safety procedures
- Attending team meetings
- To attend in-house training
- To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager
- To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies
- To be involved in the Annual Review process
- To participate in multi agency work, including delivery of training and awareness sessions, as agreed with your line manager
- To promote awareness of BSWA services and the impact of domestic violence on women and children
· Training:
- To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager
- To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users
- To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager
· General:
- To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA
- To work within BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice and offer an equal service to all women, children and young people regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation
- To maintain the confidentiality of women and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisation
- To work within BSWA and local multi-agency safeguarding procedures
- To adhere to Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, and Adult Safeguarding procedures throughout.
- To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level
- To work within the principles and standards of Birmingham DV Standards and support Birmingham Violence Against Women Strategy
- To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times
- To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to make a difference to the lives of people with mental health issues?
Assert is a small team of advocates working as a project within Mental Health Resource charity and as part of the Kent Advocacy partnership. We provide high quality advocacy and statutory IMHA services to individuals affected by mental health problems, in acute inpatient settings, forensic units and the community of Dartford and West Kent. We currently have a vacancy for a mental health advocate to join the team. This is an excellent opportunity to progress in your mental health career or develop your existing advocacy skills. Training will be provided if you are not yet qualified as an IMHA.
You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will have strong organisational skills and will be able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.
You will also understand the needs of people affected by mental health problems and be passionate about mental health advocacy. Ideally you’ll have experience of working as an advocate and if not yet qualified as an IMHA, you must be prepared to undertake training.
A willingness to work within a diverse range of environments is essential as is the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The job will require some community advocacy, plus work in forensic units across West Kent and a current driving licence and access to transport is essential.
An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the role.
For further information please read the job descriptions and person specification. To apply please send a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification and a copy of your current CV using the apply online feature.
Standalone CV’s without a covering letter will not be accepted.
Closing date: Monday 17th February at 5pm
Expected interview date: Wednesday 26th February
Mental Health Resource is committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity, and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About The Advocacy Project
We help the most marginalised and vulnerable people in London make effective choices about what happens in their lives. We also 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
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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
We believe everyone has the right to influence decisions affecting their lives. We are searching for an exceptional person to join our dynamic and innovative advocacy team that currently provides services to a range of care groups across seven London boroughs: Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hackney, Ealing, Croydon, Sutton and Wandsworth.
This role will provide independent mental health advocacy for adults with mental health issues in hospital and community settings including a specialist eating disorder unit. The role includes independent Care Act advocacy and non-statutory advocacy.
Key responsibilities
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Provide advocacy for eligible people under Care Act 2014 and Mental Health Act 2007.
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Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy.
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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.
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Refer people to other types of statutory or non-statutory advocacy as appropriate.
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Raise awareness of independent advocacy and referring pathways to eligible people and referring agencies
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Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.
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Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).
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Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.
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Be an active member of the mental health service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.
General responsibilities
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Participate in team meetings and training.
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Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
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Contribute to monitoring reports.
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Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.
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Work to our mission, vision, and values.
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Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.
Person specification
Essential:
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Understanding of the role and responsibilities of advocacy under Mental Health Act and Care Act.
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Experience of working with people with mental health issues and an understanding of the issues they face.
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Experience of work with a wide range of people who are likely to be eligible for advocacy under the Care Act 2014.
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Sound knowledge of mental health services, including current issues in policy and practice. Knowledge of health and social care practice and legislation.
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Experience of the principles and practice of advocacy and an understanding of different forms of advocacy.
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Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.
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Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) including an understanding of creative communication methods.
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Excellent interpersonal skills. Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.
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Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
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Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
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Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and the mental health service in line with our mission, vision and values.
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Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Desirable:
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Achieved – or studying for – a relevant professional qualification, eg NAQ
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Experience of working with children and young people; an understanding of the issues they face, particularly in relation to mental health.
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Knowledge of housing and benefits in relation to advocacy.
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Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.
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Ability to speak a local community language.
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.
Upload your application via our website on
The Advocacy Project
The Advocacy Project helps the most marginalised and vulnerable people living in London make ef... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate
(I.M.C.A.) 3 days
Applications for a full time /part-time position
(3 days per week IMCA possibly increasing when demand arises. For those interested in full time employment 2 extra RPR days may be available).
£23-25K pro rata depending on advocacy qualifications
Matrix SDT are seeking to employ an IMCA to work with those lacking capacity in Surrey. Must be prepared to travel independently across the county.
Previous advocacy experience or working with those lacking capacity is essential for the role. Training will be provided.
- Good holiday allowance.
- Flexible working hours considered.
- Small and supportive team.
- Homebased
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
-172x129.jpg)
Following the award of a new expanded Merton Advocacy Contract, VoiceAbility is offering an opportunity for someone to become a part of our increasing advocacy team to deliver our new contract.
VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.
About the role:
Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in the front line delivering positive outcomes for the people they support. Advocates will support and enable service users’ understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decision making processes, supporting them to make challenges when necessary and asking pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.
The role will be home based with travel across Merton to care homes, hospitals, prisons and clients’ homes.
Location: Home based working across Merton
Hours: 37.5 hours
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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
Closing date for applications:7th February(16.59)(NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
Interviews: 14th February TBC (NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
About you:
• Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs, and needs taken into account when decisions are made about their care
• Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills
• Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties
• Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff, family members etc.
• Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals and carers
• Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise
• Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards
• Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and/or children
• Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work for resolution of issues
• Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines with the ability to work across Merton,Greater London
• Be able to work independently
Desirable skills or experience:
• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of the, Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007)
NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification or any specialist units to be agreed, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
You may have experience of the following: Advocate, Vulnerable Adults, Social Worker, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Worker, Charity, Third Sector etc. Advice & Guidance
How to Apply:
To apply for this role, please complete the online application form and upload your CV detailing your work history since leaving school. NB your CV will not be used for shortlisting.
{07/02/2020}
Our mission is strengthening voice, supporting rights, changing lives
Our vision is of a society in... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid is seeking to recruit a Senior Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA) to lead the BCWA IDSVA team in providing a high-quality pro-active service to victims of domestic & sexual violence and abuse in Bromley.
You will address safety of the client and their children, assessing the client’s needs and risk level. You will discuss options with clients and deliver a range of interventions as well as develop safety plans, and support clients through civil or criminal courts. You will work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic & sexual abuse. You will provide support to victims referred through the police, through co-location at Bromley Police station on some days.
You will have previous experience working in the domestic/sexual abuse field and will have a strong understanding of the needs and issues specific to survivors of domestic abuse.
SafeLives/CAADA training certificate in domestic and sexual abuse is required.
You should have line management experience as you will be supervising the work of a small team of IDSVAs. The person we are looking for is a confident and resilient person with the ability to stay calm under pressure and motivate and guide her team.
We are a well-established, innovative and forward-thinking domestic abuse service based in South London and are seeking a self-motivated, flexible and experienced individual to join our dynamic team to help us deliver excellent services to vulnerable women who have experienced domestic abuse and be committed to working in a non-discriminatory manner.
Employee benefits we offer:
- A friendly, flexible and values-led organisation
- Competitive salary
- 25 days of annual holiday, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
- Contributory pension scheme (5%)
- Training to help you perform your role and support your professional development
Job Title: Senior Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor
Hours: Full time – 35h per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract/Temporary (currently funded until end of March 2023)
Salary: £28,000 - £29,500 (depending on experience) Plus 5% pension
Location: London Borough of Bromley
Application Deadline: 5pm on 12th February 2020
Interviews: 24th February 2020
To learn more and download the Job Description, see Additional Documents.
To apply, complete the online application form via our website.
If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks from application deadline, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
Female applicants only. In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
BCWA are an Equal Opportunities Employer | Reg. Charity No.1068007
Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We focus on... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lancashire Victim Service is looking for an Independent Victims Advocate based in our office in Lancaster.
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.
The main purpose of the role is to provide personal and structured support to victims of crime, which include victims of serious crime, persistently targeted victims, vulnerable and intimidated victims as per the MOJ Victims Code of Practice; to develop and enhance relationships with key statutory and non-statutory partner agencies, especially within the hub setting working together in support of enhanced entitlement victims of crime and to manage the work of volunteers in providing appropriate support to victims of crime, retaining overall responsibility for the case management.
To be successful in this role, you will have understanding and knowledge of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practice and maintenance of files in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements. You will have experience of delivering a service and working directly with clients or service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting. You will also have knowledge of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime including witnesses giving evidence.
You will have an excellent telephone manner with the ability to engage and develop rapport as well as the ability to needs assess, risk assess and empathise with the victim. You will be able to work without direct supervision, prioritising work and dealing with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner. You will be able to gather, analyse and use information and evidence from different sources, solve and resolve problems.
Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as (s). In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.
If the vacancy has not specified the essential criteria for shortlisting, please use this section to express how your experience and skills are relevant for the role. If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.
Victim Support takes pride in being a diverse organisation, enriched by the participation of all individuals and communities. Diversity matters and we value it.
Successful candidate must be willing to work towards completing an internal IVA accreditation.
VS is the independent charity for people affected by crime and traumatic events in England and Wales. Our specialist teams provide individual, ... Read more
VoiceAbility is excited to announce we are recruiting for advocates to join our London team. Successful candidates will undertake a peripatetic role across Greater London. Two full time, permanent positions are available.
VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.
About the role:
Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in the front line delivering positive outcomes for the people they support. Advocates will support and enable service users’ understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decision making processes, supporting them to make challenges when necessary and asking pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.
The roles will be home based with travel across Greater London to care homes, hospitals, prisons and clients’ homes.
Location: Home based working across (Greater London)
Hours: 37.5 hours (Part time or job share may be considered)
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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
Closing date for applications:7th February(16.59)(NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
Interviews: 14th February TBC (NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
About you:
• Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs, and needs taken into account when decisions are made about their care
• Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills
• Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties
• Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff, family members etc.
• Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals and carers
• Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise
• Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards
• Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and/or children
• Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work for resolution of issues
• Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines with the ability to work across Greater London
• Be able to work independently
• Be willing and able to travel across London at short notice to meet deadlines
Desirable skills or experience:
• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of the, Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007)
NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification or any specialist units to be agreed, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
You may have experience of the following: Advocate, Vulnerable Adults, Social Worker, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Worker, Charity, Third Sector etc. Advice & Guidance
How to Apply:
To apply for this role, please complete the online application form and upload your CV detailing your work history since leaving school. NB CV's will not be used to short list
NB Should candidates who apply before the deadline meet the criteria for interview we reserve the right to interview earlier than the 14th February and close the advert should the vacant posts be filled.
Friday 07 February 2020
Our mission is strengthening voice, supporting rights, changing lives
Our vision is of a society in... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
-172x129.jpg)
Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for victims of all forms of gender-based violence (domestic, sexual, so called ‘honour’ violence, trafficking, prostitution, forced marriage, stalking and FGM). Every day we support over 6,000 women and children in our national network of services. These include Independent Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advocacy services (IDVAs/ISVAs and IGVAs), community outreach, specialist refuge accommodation, sanctuary services and culturally-specific services and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline. We advise Government and lobby hard to keep violence against women and girls high on the public agenda. We run award-winning prevention and public education campaigns, managing a busy press office and website, and we are an accredited training provider. We give a voice to the voiceless.
Salary: £27,177 - £29,943 per year
Hours: 37.5 per week
Location: Lewisham
Refuge, an award winning national charity, is recruiting an Independent Gender Violence Advocate in our service in Lewisham to work closely with victims of gender based violence from the point of crisis.
You will provide high quality independent advocacy and support to the highest risk survivors of gender based violence 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.
With significant 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.
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.
Closing date: 16 February 2020
Interview date: 27 February 2020
An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.
This post 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.
Refuge is committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
No agencies please - as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down.
At Refuge, we believe that no-one should have to live in fear of violence and abuse. On any given day Refuge supports almost 6,000 clients, hel... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hospital Discharge Advocate
VoiceAbility is excited to announce we are recruiting for a Hospital Discharge Advocate to join our London team.
VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.
About the role:
Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard and contribute to the wider impact of the organisation. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in the front line delivering positive outcomes for people they support breaking down complex information into various formats to empower individuals. Advocates will support and enable service users understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decisions making process, empowering them to make challenges, or where necessary undertake challenges and ask pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.
This is an opportunity for an experienced advocate to be part of a Hospital Discharge Project.
The successful candidate will need to be able to work independently dealing with the Hospital Discharge Team. The role is to support the hospital discharge strategy and planning ensuring that understanding and processes are embedded to give partners the fullest ability to have their voices heard by decision-makers.
Location: This role is hospital based at University Hospital Lewisham
Job type: Permanent.
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Grade F £24,299 to £28,999 per annum inclusive of London Weighting
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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
Closing date for applications: 07/02/2020 (16.59)(NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
Interviews:14th February TBC (NB we may close the advert early and reserve the right to interview earlier subject to sufficient applications)
You will:
- Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs and needs taken into account.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills.
- Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties
- Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff and family members.
- Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals and carers.
- Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise.
- Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards.
- Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and or children.
- Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work to resolution of issues.
- Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines.
- Be able to work independently.
Desirable skills or experience:
• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of the, Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007)
NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification or any specialist units to be agreed, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
You may have experience of the following: Advocate, Vulnerable Adults, Social Worker, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Worker, Charity, Third Sector etc. Advice & Guidance
How to Apply:
To apply for this role, please complete the online application form referring to the person specification criteria and upload your CV detailing your work history since leaving school. NB your CV will not be used for Shortlisting.
Friday 07 February 2020
Our mission is strengthening voice, supporting rights, changing lives
Our vision is of a society in... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
How this role fits into the vision and objectives of City Hearts
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an ISP Advocate to join our Integrated Support Programme Team. ISP is a safety net for all survivors who fall through the net of support nationally. It aims to prevent vulnerable survivors of trafficking from falling into re-trafficking or homelessness. It means no survivor is left involuntarily without support. The successful candidate would support survivors face to face through drop-ins, as well as over the phone ensuring safety and continued journey to restoration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Survivor Support
• Offering support to clients via weekly drop-ins, ensuring that clients receive their travel reimbursement
• Managing and logging fortnightly phonecalls, meeting clients needs by offering advice and signposting to other services
• Completing casework interventions - where appropriate this may be face to face
• Completing pathway plans with clients and reviewing the plans every six months
• Helping with progression of clients along their Pathway Plan
• Liaising with organisations and individuals regarding clients and City Hearts in a professional manner - including but not limited to medical professionals, solicitors, education providers and accommodation services
Systems
• Recording all client-related actions in online client management system
• Updating regional databases of key contacts
• Assessing complex needs intervention and referring to ISP Advocate criteria
• Assisting matching process in Bright Future Programme (employability programme)
• Regular supervision meetings with manager and ISP team
• Being an ambassador for City Hearts
• Any other duties commensurate with the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Healthy Foundations is a health advocacy project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The project aims to support and advocate for women to better access services related to health and wellbeing and for women to prioritise their health. The project provides one-to-one ‘through-the-gate’ support to women leaving prison which continues into the community. Health Matters also runs a series of workshops and provides information for women to identify and address healthcare needs and improve wellbeing.
Women affected by the criminal justice system have far poorer and more serious health problems than the general population due to multiple overlapping barriers, including experience of chronic poverty, difficulties with mental health, domestic violence, problematic substance use and substandard housing and homelessness. The Healthy Foundations project approaches health and wellbeing in a holistic way by linking up mental health and physical health, problematic substance use and other complex needs.
As a Healthy Foundations Advocate you will provide an independent, needs-led health support and advocacy service to participants and develop individual one-to-one needs assessments and support plans with women. You will also create and facilitate workshops. We are looking for someone with experience of providing support to service users facing multiple barriers and a demonstrable commitment to working within a women-centred service, making a difference to women’s lives.
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.
To apply, please download and read the Recruitment Pack including the Job Description and Person Specification and complete the application and equalities monitoring forms in full.
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WOMEN IN PRISON is a national organisation that provides support to women affected by the criminal justice system and campaigns to end the harm... Read more
Young Women's Advocate
Hammersmith, London (working across eight West London boroughs)
About Us
We are Advance, a women-only organisation dedicated to helping women cope and recover from experiences of domestic abuse, as well as women who are at risk of offending or with short term sentences to reduce offending.
We deliver nationally accredited, quality marked support services in Hammersmith, Fulham, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea and Brent. This includes our criminal justice services, housing, healthcare and social care support.
We are now looking for a Young Women’s Advocate to work across eight West London boroughs, based at both Advance and community locations, to increase access to our vital services for vulnerable women and girls.
The Benefits
- Salary of £26,000 - £28,000 per annum DOE including London weighting
- Pension
- 30 days’ holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays
- Day off for International Women’s Day
If you have a strong understanding of domestic violence and the criminal justice system, this is a fantastic opportunity to use your expertise to transform lives by providing vital knowledge that keeps women safe.
We offer an incredible environment in which you can develop your career and fulfil your professional ambitions, whilst supporting women and girls who need help the most.
So, if you think you could thrive as part of a devoted and supportive team where we change lives and offer amazing solutions every single day, we want to hear from you.
The Role
As a Young Women's Advocate, you will work within a dynamic, advocacy, advice and support service to increase access and encourage engagement to our services. You will ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process.
Managing a caseload, you will work with key agencies, youth services and communities to improve their awareness and response to VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls).
Your role will also involve:
- Reducing barriers to access support
- Educating practitioners to identify VAWG, respond appropriately and refer to services
- Upskilling workers and improving their response to domestic abuse
- Using reporting mechanisms to highlight recurring issues
- Conducting comprehensive needs and risk assessments
- Delivering plans to support an individual’s needs, rights, risks and options
About You
To join us as a Young Women's Advocate, you will need:
- At least one year’s experience of supporting women who have experienced domestic violence, forced marriage, ‘honour-based violence’, or sexual exploitation/abuse
- An excellent understanding of the criminal justice system and relevant legislation with particular regard to legal and civil options, housing, benefits, matrimony and children
- A thorough understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence, so-called ‘honour-based violence’, forced marriage, stalking and harassment) and other forms of VAWG and its impact on women, children, families and communities
- A relevant qualification, for example in domestic violence, VAWG criminal justice, law, social work or related area
Please note: only female applicants will be progressed as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Other organisations may call this role Youth Advocate, Female Advocate, VAWG Prevention Advocate, Domestic Violence Advocate, Wellbeing Advocate, Support Worker, Community Support Co-ordinator, Community Outreach Co-ordinator, Women’s Centre Co-ordinator, Female Support Worker, or Social Worker.
This role is full time, working 35 hours per week.
The closing date for applications is the 31st January 2020.
Advance is committed to equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from women with disabilities, from BME backgrounds and the LBT community.
So, if you’re looking to empower others to live safe lives as a Young Women's Advocate, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
The StepChange policy team based in London (Westminster, SW1H) is looking for committed, creative and knowledgeable policy professionals with a track record of producing effective, high quality policy research. These roles are vital role for the charity, working within an experienced team to manage policy research projects, develop policy proposals and make the case for change to policy makers, politicians, regulators, firms and others.
The successful candidates will join the UK’s largest provider of free independent debt advice, speaking up for those affected by financial difficulty and debt.
Our vision
StepChange works for a society free of problem debt. Every year StepChange helps 650,000 people to resolve their debt problems and rebuild their lives. We employ over 1,500 colleagues and in our 26-year history we’ve helped millions of people on their journey to becoming debt free.
Right now, we’re working to deliver an ambitious four-year strategy which will see us helping more people, responding to changing client needs, and working closely with our partners to reduce the harm of problem debt.
What you will be doing
The postholders will have the opportunity to develop projects on key social policy issues linked to problem debt, such as access to housing and debt vulnerability among young people, and lead the charity’s work on policy including government debt collection practices. These are senior roles and there will be scope to develop new projects and shape responsibilities over time.
The successful candidate will be intellectually curious, willing to engage with a range of issues from core social policy to credit regulation and will have a positive and collegiate approach.
While we expect candidates to have a strong knowledge of at least one core policy area linked to problem debt, we will support the successful candidates where needed to expand their knowledge of regulatory or other policy areas in the role.
Key accountabilities
- Develop and manage policy projects and work streams.
- Manage original research to inform policy makers and other key stakeholders.
- Pro-actively develop and deliver evidence-based reports, briefings, consultation responses and articles to influence both public policy debate and the policies and practices of creditors and other stakeholders.
- Analyse and brief colleagues on key developments in areas like the economy, government policy, legislation, Parliament, and research from other organisations.
- Manage relations with internal and external stakeholders to maintain and progress policy work streams.
- Plan and support campaigns to further the charity’s public policy objectives.
- Represent the charity at meetings, conferences, seminars and working groups.
Experience and knowledge
- A working knowledge and understanding of policy issues relevant to financial difficulty and debt. This should include detailed knowledge and understanding in one or more of the following policy areas: social security, poverty and living standards, housing, fuel markets / fuel poverty, debt enforcement and insolvency, and credit and financial services regulation.
- A strong understanding of the public policy making process and in particular how a charity can exercise a responsible influence on Government and other policy makers in the public and private sectors
- An established track record in developing policy research and using this to influence key stakeholders
- Demonstrable experience as a successful practitioner in a public policy influencing or regulatory environment
- Experience of developing broad policy campaigns / influencing strategies (desirable)
- Experience of influencing policy makers at a senior level (desirable)
Skills and abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent analytical and numeracy skills
- Capacity to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Ability to plan work and deliver to deadline
- Self-starter able to work on own initiative
- Confident with the ability to challenge at all levels
We value our colleagues
We don’t just care for our clients and those people who contact us for help. We also value our colleagues, and this role comes complete with a generous benefit package which includes:
- 24 days annual leave (this increases by one day per year up to a maximum of 29), plus bank holidays
- The ability to buy and sell annual leave
- Travel season ticket loans
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Group personal pension scheme
- Westfield Health cash plan
- Employee assistance programme
- Financial planning
- Long service awards
Every year we help 650,000 people to resolve their debt problems and rebuild their lives. We employ over 1,500 colleagues and in our 26-year hi... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.