Maternity cover posts are a great opportunity to join CAPS’ Children and Young People’s small friendly team to provide individual advocacy to children and young people who are going through the Children’s Hearings system. CAPS is the main provider of advocacy for this issue to children and young people aged 5-18 in East Lothian and Midlothian. CAPS is also the alternate provider for this work in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, so travel to work in these areas will also be expected.

The focus of the work is the provision of independent advocacy to support children and young people to express their views and wishes when going through the Children’s Hearings process. Experience of working with children and young people is required as well as proven skills in communicating with them. Advocacy training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for regulated work with children.

There will be a 3-month probationary period attached to this post. Face-to-face work with children and young people is the focus of the role but some home working is also possible with the agreement of your line manager.

This post is fixed term for 12 months initially to cover maternity leave however may continue thereafter subject to expansion of the CAPS’ Children’s team.

This is a great opportunity to join CAPS’ friendly, supportive Individual Advocacy team to provide Individual Advocacy to adults in East Lothian and Midlothian who are experiencing mental health issues. This post will also provide Individual Advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh, alongside our LGBTQIA+ Individual Advocacy service for young people (14-25). CAPS also provides an adult Individual Advocacy service for people who are affected by drugs or alcohol in Midlothian and East Lothian.

The focus of the work is the provision of Independent Advocacy – making sure that people’s views and wishes are heard. You will make sure people are informed about their options and their rights and assist people who have mental health issues to redress power imbalances in their lives and in their interactions with services. Individual Advocacy is very rewarding work that makes a real difference. Full training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. There will be a 3 month probationary period attached to this post. A mix of home and office working is possible but face to face working with people is essential.