Advocacy Jobs

About The Role
Closing Date: 9th May 2024. 
 
Hours: 21 - 35 hours per week 
 
Location: Community based in Swindon, with homeworking elements. 
 
Contract: FTC, ending March 2025.
 
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
 
We would love to hear about why you want to work with the Alzheimer's Society! Tell us a little more about yourself in a supporting statement when submitting your application. 

About the role

We have an exciting and rewarding opportunity available for a home-based Community Development Co-ordinator to join our team in Swindon, engaging with the local community, until 31st March 2025.
 
Alzheimer’s Society secured grant funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver community development in Swindon; as part of this you will promote Dementia awareness with a specific aim to reduce inequalities and reach those with protected characteristics, or people experiencing multiple deprivations. In addition, you will work with those individuals experiencing and/or at risk of other health inequalities.
 
You will also:

- lead and engage communities to recognise dementia and understand how to navigate around health and social care system.
- have a flair for building trusted relationships and be flexible to attend events that happen at culturally important times for those communities we serve.
- demonstrate empathy and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion, and what may be barriers to accessing a diagnosis of dementia, or health and social care systems.
- actively explore new possibilities for awareness raising.

About you

- Adaptable and flexible to the needs to different communities, as well as being confident representing the importance of community development to different stakeholders.
- Experience of making local contacts and networking with various services and providers to offer the widest range of opportunities to those we support and the ability to build relationships within communities and local community groups.
- A non-judgmental approach and outstanding communication skills.
- Adaptable and flexible to the needs to different communities, as well as being confident representing the importance of community development to different stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Experience and knowledge of working alongside volunteers and have the understanding to champion the valuable contribution volunteers bring to services.
- Able to travel independently across Swindon, and further if required.
- An understanding of dementia and the needs of those living with dementia and their carers would be an advantage, but experience with different communities, health inequalities or community development will also be considered. This experience could be paid, volunteering or lived experience.

About Alzheimer's Society
At Alzheimer's Society, we believe passionately that life doesn't end when dementia begins. We are here for anyone affected by dementia, and we do everything we can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people who matter most.
Everything we do is shaped by people affected by dementia. Their knowledge and experience are critical to bringing about real-world solutions. From choosing the most promising research through to telling their stories to raise awareness; they are the heart of this organisation.
Our Values:
We are Determined to make a difference when and where it matters most, by being passionate, focussed and making a lasting impact for people affected by dementia.
Every one of us is a Trusted expert, listening, learning and using evidence and experience. We are Better together by being open, combining our strengths, helping us to achieve more together. We are Compassionate, we are kind and honest, and we don’t shy away from challenges.
Through our values we will make the greatest difference for people affected by dementia.
Equal Opportunities
We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society.
We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and be at your best.

As a Support and Advocacy Officer you will join a skilled team who collectively provide a unique UK-wide support and advocacy service to over 1500 members. 

You will primarily provide direct support and practical guidance to our Fabry members.  This patient group is largely adult focused but there will be elements of family and child support. You will raise awareness within both the Fabry community and external agencies; and contribute to the development of resources, to promote self-advocacy within the patient group.  A key objective of the role will be to build a sense of community and identity for our Fabry membership.  You will also have the opportunity to facilitate and contribute to project work, including youth engagement, advisory boards, and support groups.

In addition to supporting the Fabry community there will also be a requirement to provide support to those affected by other conditions under our umbrella.

Key Responsibilities:

The following is an overview of the responsibilities of the role - full responsibilities can be found in the Job Description:

• Develop a good understanding of MPS and Fabry conditions
• Develop knowledge of legislation and best practice relevant to supporting people with life-long conditions
• Provide emotional support, information and guidance in areas such as diagnosis, disease awareness, health and social care and disability benefits
• Support individuals and families to access best possible clinical management and treatment options
• Support and signpost people towards mental health and psychological support as required
• Undertake UK-wide travel to visit individuals and families and attend meetings and events
• Support the provision of online support and advice via social media channels
• Promote awareness by giving talks and presentations to outside organisations, professionals and the general public

 Experience & skills

• Minimum of two years’ experience of working with individuals with disabilities within health and social care, education, or related field
• Ability to communicate accurately, concisely and with clarity
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to upholding best practices
• Excellent IT skills to maintain accurate case recording, produce clear reports, correspondences and presentations
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in a small, dedicated team
• Experience of managing projects and service development is advantageous

Prior knowledge of Fabry Disease is not required as in-depth support and training will be provided.  Regular supervision and a supportive work culture will help you to expand your knowledge and become an expert in the work you are undertaking.

Essential requirements:

• Eligibility to work in the UK
• A valid UK driving licence with no more than 6 points, access to a car and a willingness to drive UK wide
• Disclosure & Barring Check

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

The MPS Society is a charity that provides a range of care, support and activities for children and adults at risk throughout the UK. This is provided through our dedicated support and advocacy service, telephone helpline and out of hours’ support, clinical research, online activities and forums, annual events, patient expert meetings, focus groups and conferences. MPS staff, trustees and volunteers may be asked to be involved in the delivery of its regulated services and activities.

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Due to the sensitive nature of the duties undertaking, the post holder will be expected to undertake a DBS check as part of the recruitment process.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 5 weeks annual leave (increasing after 5 years' service)
• Additional leave between Christmas and New Year
• Pension contributions
• Life assurance (subject to scheme conditions)
• Employee Assistance Programme

This post is primarily based in our Amersham office however UK wide travel is necessary. A flexible approach to working hours to cover travel, our out of hours phone service, and events and conference attendance is required.

Next steps:

We ask interested candidates to view the job description attached for the full responsibilities and essential requirements of this role.

We also encourage candidates to visit the MPS Society website to learn more about us and the community we serve.  Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Steve Cotterell.

To apply:

Please apply through Charity Job with your CV and a covering letter explaining how your previous roles and experiences make you the candidate we are looking for.

Closing Date:  Interviews and assessment will be held following receipt of suitable applications.

We have a very exciting opportunity for anyone who enjoys working on the front-line of patient support across Dorset.

This role will deliver Kidney Care UK’s Patient Support and Advocacy service in the region. This varied role deals with every aspect of a patient’s life that supports better outcomes: welfare benefits, practical, emotional and social support. As well as directly supporting patients, you will raise awareness of the wide range of local and national resources available to kidney patients, and build strong relationships with kidney patients, professionals, and other stakeholder groups in the region.

Based at home (laptop and mobile phone provided), you will be expected to travel independently across Dorset and manage your own caseload with the support of your line manager and other members of our national friendly, committed team.

We’ll provide the training, you’ll bring enthusiasm and your experience of working with chronically ill patients in a social, care or health role.

The role is a two-year contract initially. We can consider applications for a split role or job share, please indicate the hours you are seeking. Applications from those with experience of living with CKD in a personal or professional capacity are particularly welcome.

Please apply through CharityJob with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are perfect for this role.

About the PVRI
We’re a small charity with a global reach and an important purpose: to reduce the burden of pulmonary vascular disease.

PVD is a serious condition which can lead to heart damage and trigger symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, fatigue, poor growth, fainting and light-headedness. It can reduce both quality of life and length of life, but it isn’t widely recognised, or well-understood.

We bring together an international network of professionals to improve clinical care, education and PVD research. The network comprises thousands of clinicians, scientists, academics and industry partners, supported by our small team in Bermondsey, London. Together we deliver conferences, e-learning, an academic journal, and we raise awareness of the condition.

Much of the work is done by international working groups, and we’re seeking a new Project Coordinator to provide administrative and project support to those groups.

About the role
The job involves co-ordinating and servicing meetings across different time zones, maintaining workgroup records, developing surveys, pulling together academic papers for publication, event planning, and project work.

We’re looking for someone with excellent organisational and administrative skills, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to write and adapt complex information to produce clear, accurate and accessible documents in English. You’ll need strong IT skills, and the ability to juggle competing demands with efficiency, tact and good humour. You can find details of all these activities on our website.

What we can offer
We offer a 35-hour working week and flexible working, a positive learning culture, international travel, and opportunities for you to learn and grow in your role. And for those who prefer hybrid working, we’re based in a vibrant, sociable office space close to London Bridge and Borough Market. You will need to be able to travel to London for the occasional meeting.

The PVRI celebrates diversity and we’re committed to equality and inclusion in our recruitment practices and in our ways of working.  If you’re excited about our mission, and can bring talent and enthusiasm to our cause, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply
To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max 850 words) outlining what you could bring to the role, and referencing the Person Specification. Please send these, together with the Equalities Monitoring Form to Katie Corris by 09:00 on Monday 13 May.
 

Registered charity number 1127115

People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services. 

About the role

You’ll empower your clients to take actions for themselves or will advocate on their behalf for better service, support and outcomes, so they can live their life with Parkinson's in the way they choose.

You’ll deliver tailored information and support through a range of channels including telephone, video and email and, where appropriate, home visits and in community settings.

You’ll be responsible for building excellent relationships with healthcare professionals and other relevant agencies, as well as our network of volunteers and groups.

What you'll do:

• Provide professional person centred, in depth support to clients by a range of means, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of resources.

• Provide support on a variety of health and social care issues, including appropriate emotional, employment and welfare benefits support and advocating with and on behalf of clients. 

• Work flexibly across the service responding to enquiries through a range of channels.

• Work closely with clinicians, specialist nurses and other professional colleagues to raise the profile of the service, increase depth of support and achieve improved outcomes for people with Parkinson’s.

What you'll bring: 

• Experience of managing and delivering individual case work, including advocating for clients and supporting people to navigate  the health and social care system 

• Experience and understanding of safeguarding and your role in keeping clients safe and  implementing organisational policies and procedure

• Ability to be calm and use emotional intelligence in challenging casework

• Demonstrable digital competence, with experience of effective use of a range of tools including online case management systems

• The ability to build effective working relationships with others including working within multi disciplinary teams internally and externally 

You must live in the area you’re applying for in order to carry out this role. 

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with supporting statements. The supporting statement should fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the role description.

We are operating rolling recruitment for this vacancy and reviewing applications as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• live in the area specified, and be able to travel freely and flexibly throughout the area and occasionally further afield without reliance on public transport

• Preferably hold a full driving licence

• provide occasional cover on Saturdays and/or Bank holidays

• provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 

This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Description

We have a very exciting opportunity for anyone who enjoys working on the front-line of patient support across the Gloucester region.

This role will deliver Kidney Care UK’s Patient Support and Advocacy service in the region. This varied role deals with every aspect of a patient’s life that supports better outcomes: welfare benefits, practical, emotional and social support. As well as directly supporting patients, you will raise awareness of the wide range of local and national resources available to kidney patients, and build strong relationships with kidney patients, professionals, and other stakeholder groups in the region.

Based at home (laptop and mobile phone provided), you will be expected to travel independently across the Gloucester area and manage your own caseload with the support of your line manager and other members of our national friendly, committed team.

We’ll provide the training, you’ll bring enthusiasm and your experience of working with chronically ill patients in a social, care or health role.

The role is a two-year contract initially. We can consider applications for a split role or job share, please indicate the hours you are seeking. Applications from those with experience of living with CKD in a personal or professional capacity are particularly welcome.

Please apply through CharityJob with your CV and a covering letter outlining why you are perfect for this role.

Hours: 35 per week covering a range of shifts (between 7am and 10pm for Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm for Saturday and Sunday) Typical shifts include: 7am – 3pm / 8am – 4pm / 10am - 6pm / 2pm – 10pm.

Location: Based within the custody suites of West Midlands Police and Magistrates Courts. This advertised role will work between Wolverhampton, Oldbury, Stechford, Bloxwich, Coventry and Birmingham (Perry Barr) Police Custody suites

Ref: 1433

Following internal promotion, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Arrest Referral Worker in our CARS team, which has had, and continues to receive national recognition.

Cranstoun are proud to work with the West Midlands Police Crime and Commissioner to deliver the Cranstoun Arrest Referral Service within the custody suites of West Midlands Police, and West Midlands Courts, offering drug and alcohol using offenders the opportunity to break the cycle of substance related crime.

Are you currently working as a substance use worker, probation officer, or could you bring transferable skills and experience to our team? Are you a good listener? Can you motivate people to change? Are you comfortable working with vulnerable people? This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on peoples’ lives!

You will work between police custody and criminal courts. You will assess, advise and refer offenders, providing them with the opportunity to access treatment to address their substance use. Working with courts, you will promote the use of Community Sentence Treatment Requirements (Drug Rehabilitations Requirements and Alcohol Treatment Requirements) amongst all court professionals and the judiciary, contributing to Pre-Sentence Reports and advocate for our service users.

You will be responsible for delivering all elements of substance use work, including assertive engagement, harm reduction support (including naloxone provision), as well as other associated duties. You need to have an understanding of the issues faced by people who use drugs and alcohol, and who commit crime, and be dedicated to delivering a service that supports these individuals to make positive changes to their behaviour, health and well-being.

All roles within this service are subject to enhanced DBS checks and West Midlands Police vetting. 

Applications for part time hours will be considered.

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your voice can shape policy and bring about change? Join our team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association as a Senior Public Affairs Adviser: Westminster. This role is pivotal in ensuring everyone impacted by MND receives the care and support they deserve.

You'll work closely with the Public Affairs Manager to drive forward our public affairs priorities and pro-actively identify opportunities to influence party political debates, legislation and select committees in relation to the Association's vital work. From drafting impactful briefings to building relationships with decision-makers, you'll be at the forefront of our advocacy efforts.

Ensuring a coordinated approach to our parliamentary work at Westminster and locally, your responsibilities include supporting parliamentary inquiries, coordinating our presence at political conferences. You will identify and develop effective links with key parliamentarians, influencers, and decision makers whose remit may impact the sphere of our work, including, senior civil servants.

Additionally, you'll help empower our campaigning volunteers and regional staff to engage with local decision-makers effectively. Your role will also contribute to shaping our strategies and plans, ensuring that our advocacy efforts remain impactful and aligned with our purpose, mission and 5 promises.

Located in London, with flexibility for hybrid working, this role offers an exciting opportunity to drive positive change in the lives of those affected by MND.

If you're ready to use your expertise to make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Join us to drive positive change for people living with and affected by MND.

Hybrid Working Expectations: Flexibility to attend the London office when required to meet business needs.

What are we looking for?

A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures, with previous experience in public affairs within a voluntary organisation.

Experience of working with Parliamentarians. You should also demonstrate proficiency in supporting volunteers and coordinating events.

Excellent communication skills are paramount, allowing you to interact and influence with stakeholders and diverse audiences across all levels including politicians and volunteers. As a team player and networker, you'll thrive in collaborative environments.

Additionally, strong IT skills, including database management and use of social media, is vital.

Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel to external meetings, is required.

For full role responsibilities please view the job description located within the Recruitment Pack.

Our Benefits

• 28 days holiday, rising to 33 days after 5 years' service, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare which includes reimbursement for dental appointments, eyecare, Health & Wellbeing screening and therapies
• Access to a 24/7 phone and video GP Service
• Life assurance
• Confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes to include:
• Cycle to work
• Buy and sell annual leave
• BenefitHub which offers lifestyle discounts and offers on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• A thorough understanding of parliamentary processes and procedures.
• Demonstrable public affairs experience within a voluntary organisation.
• Experience of working with Parliamentarians.

Where experience is asked for, please give one example showing what you did and what it achieved. Where we require evidence of ability, please explain either how you would approach that particular competence or give an example to support your suitability.

About Us

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

We are committed to equality and value diversity. We are working hard to remove perceived and actual barriers to participation for people with and affected by MND, current and future staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants that meet the requirements of the role as part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be made as required.

Important Information

Adverts may be closed before the deadline once sufficient applications are received. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

We request that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this role.

The role

As Welfare Officer you will work alongside four National Support Coordinators, ensuring our members receive welfare and benefit related information, advice, and guidance via telephone, zoom meetings, and email.

We are looking for someone to work 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. There will be the need to occasionally work during weekends and evenings and therefore there is a need to work flexibly when required.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working within a similar role.

A keen interest in or a knowledge/experience of charitable support provision is essential.

We are a looking for an innovative self-starter to join our small national team of 16 staff. You must be an excellent communicator, with experience of using databases, ability to meet deadlines and work on your own initiative. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we?

Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

We are working hard to raise awareness, as it is a little-unknown condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the illness. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including access to specialist welfare and benefits advice.

Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenia’s are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Investment in your personal and professional development