Independent Advocacy Workers play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking a range of advocacy roles which may include empowering, informing, enabling and representing people in a variety of settings. Advocacy Workers assist the C.E.O., Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator, and other team members in achieving of the objectives of the Service.

There is scope for home working and a requirement to attend head office in Dumbarton for team meetings, supervision, training and development sessions. We are an advocacy service that delivers face to face advocacy across West Dunbartonshire and Lomond.

While we can be flexible around working hours/days we will require the successful candidate to normally make themselves available for work on a Tuesday

Main duties and Responsibilities

Casework

• To undertake advocacy work as directed by the Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator. Visiting adults in their own homes, hospitals and at other agreed venues and travelling independently.

• To assist in the processing, prioritisation of and response to referrals received by the Service.

• To use email and electronic systems to maintain up to date client and operational records as required and to maintain a high standard in all elements of reporting and communication.

• To undertake individual casework (and on occasions group casework), working alongside service users to promote self-determination and support their rights and to have their voice heard.

• To establish a supportive relationship with individual clients and provide an ‘independent voice’ on their behalf.

• To represent the views and wishes of the individual at a variety of formal and statutory meetings (e.g. Mental Health Tribunals, Adults with Incapacity Case Conferences) or in other contexts.

Promotion and Development

• To assist the C.E.O, Operations Manager, Advocacy Co-ordinator and other team members in the promotion of the Service.

• To raise awareness of the purpose of and the need for advocacy amongst service providers, voluntary groups, relatives, carers and the public.

Independent Advocacy Workers play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking a range of advocacy roles which may include empowering, informing, enabling and representing people in a variety of settings. Advocacy Workers assist the C.E.O., Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator, and other team members in achieving of the objectives of the Service.

There is scope for home working and a requirement to attend head office in Dumbarton for team meetings, supervision, training and development sessions. We are an advocacy service that delivers face to face advocacy across West Dunbartonshire and Lomond.

While we can be flexible around working hours/days we will require the successful candidate to normally make themselves available for work on a Tuesday

Main duties and Responsibilities

Casework

• To undertake advocacy work as directed by the Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator. Visiting adults in their own homes, hospitals and at other agreed venues and travelling independently.

• To assist in the processing, prioritisation of and response to referrals received by the Service.

• To use email and electronic systems to maintain up to date client and operational records as required and to maintain a high standard in all elements of reporting and communication.

• To undertake individual casework (and on occasions group casework), working alongside service users to promote self-determination and support their rights and to have their voice heard.

• To establish a supportive relationship with individual clients and provide an ‘independent voice’ on their behalf.

• To represent the views and wishes of the individual at a variety of formal and statutory meetings (e.g. Mental Health Tribunals, Adults with Incapacity Case Conferences) or in other contexts.

Promotion and Development

• To assist the C.E.O, Operations Manager, Advocacy Co-ordinator and other team members in the promotion of the Service.

• To raise awareness of the purpose of and the need for advocacy amongst service providers, voluntary groups, relatives, carers and the public.

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy service are looking for a person who has Lived Experience of problematic alcohol or substance use, either;

• Personally and in recovery

• Awareness through a family member or close friend

• Working knowledge of Substance and alcohol dependency issues

This is a maternity cover post, and will focus on continuing to improve access to independent advocacy and other local supports for people impacted by

problematic alcohol or substance use. The post will also provide rights based peer advocacy in line with the Scottish Governments Strategy: Rights,

Respect and Recovery.

This will be achieved by:

• Undertaking relevant learning and development on a Rights Based Approach in Independent Advocacy

• Working with individuals in line with the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance(SIAA) principles and Standards

• Accessing relevant organisational and external learning sessions

• Working within the aims of LAAS

• Managing your workload efficiently in accordance with the policies and procedures of LAAS

• Working as an individual, but also as part of a team

• Developing your skills by identifying opportunities for learning

• Promoting and raising awareness of LAAS and its work across Argyll and Bute

• Uploading information, maintaining files on joint virtual working space

• Sending and receiving emails and using range of digital platforms’

• Delivering rights based independent advocacy

• Monitoring progress towards specific project targets and outcomes

• Using and developing existing networking techniques to create links with

appropriate individuals and groups (statutory and voluntary) to raise

awareness of Independent Advocacy

• Supporting LAAS to develop and deliver learning opportunities

Self-management

• Take responsibility for implementing policies, procedures and protocols of LAAS into your daily work

• Develop resilience strategies

• Take responsibility for personal safety in and out of the office according to LAAS procedures

• Present a positive image of LAAS at all times

• Critically reflect on your practice

• Take ownership of your own learning and development

• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Line Manager

Advocacy Co-ordinators play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking and co-ordinating a range of independent advocacy activities within a specified geographical area.

The Advocacy Co-ordinator will work along with the Operations Manager to ensure the smooth and effective operation of advocacy services within the area. The post holder will also contribute, alongside other team members, to the development and delivery of advocacy services in line with the strategic objectives of the organisation.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

1. To co-ordinate advocacy activity, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of advocacy services, through the implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures set out by the organisation.
2. To assist in the recruitment of and co-ordinate, supervise and support the work of volunteer advocates and advocacy workers.
3. To raise awareness of independent advocacy and promote the use of advocacy services among service users, carers and statutory, voluntary and community groups through the provision of information, presentations and publications etc.
4. To implement and monitor the performance and quality measures agreed by the organisation and ensure that high standards as are maintained.
5. To ensure that accurate and confidential records are maintained in line with the policies and procedures set out by the organisation.
6. To identify training needs and assist in the development, arrangement and deliver of appropriate training courses.
7. To undertake direct advocacy casework.
8. To participate in staff meetings and other meetings as required.
9. To attend and participate in training sessions as required.
10. Any other tasks consistent with the remit of the post.

Accountability & Support:

The Advocacy Co-ordinator is accountable to the Operational Manager, who will provide appropriate support and supervision and is accountable to the CEO.

The Administration & Information Officer will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service, through the provision of a range of information, administrative and clerical support services within the main Argyll office and across the wider service. The post holder will also contribute to the promotion and development of the service in line with the duties and responsibilities set out in the job description.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To provide a “first point of contact” for volunteers, clients and other stakeholders, handle initial enquiries, provide information and signposting and support the Advocacy CEO/ Operational Managers.
• To undertake general administrative and clerical tasks as directed including ensuring mail, email, telephone calls and information are routed and managed effectively.
• To process correspondence and other administration tasks for the staff team, including some minute taking.
• To maintain petty cash records in accordance with organisational guidelines and procedures and make purchases on behalf of the team within delegated authority.
• To facilitate the smooth running of the SharePoint system
• To maintain accurate databases and statistical information as directed, using Access and other statistical/ Data base software and assist with preparing statistical information for board and commissioners.
• To maintain, develop and promote the LAAS website and social media content, ensuring information and links are topical, accurate and up to date.
• To assist in the collection and collation of information relevant to the advocacy service and in passing this information on to interested parties.
• To design, produce and co-ordinate the targeted distribution of promotional materials.
• Support the CEO with preparing recruitment packs and designing job adverts.
• To be responsible for ordering and maintaining adequate stocks of stationery and other materials, to ensure that equipment is regularly serviced and repaired and to maintain an overview of general office equipment needs, informing line management of any need for additional or replacement items.
• To co-ordinate regular client satisfaction surveys and develop and promote other opportunities for stakeholder feedback as directed by the Advocacy CEO
• To contribute to the GDPR obligations of the organisation.
• Any other tasks consistent with the remit of the post.

This is a new post and service, commissioned by Argyll and Bute Community Justice Services with the specific intention of supporting adults on their liberation from prison. The role is to support these adults in ensuring their Human Rights are upheld, their voice heard and services respond to give the best chance of re integration to their communities and ability to live meaningful lives.

This is a new post and service, initially for one year. Commissioned by Argyll and Bute Community Justice Services to ensure the rights and voices of those at liberation from Prison are upheld and heard. To assist in offering those being liberated have the best opportunity to re engage with their community, have the support they are entitled to and need and have the best opportunity to make a positive contribution.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To co-ordinate advocacy activity, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of advocacy services, through the implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures set out by the organisation.
• To assist in the recruitment of and co-ordinate, supervise and support the work of the justice services advocacy workers and Volunteers (where applicable).
• To raise awareness of independent advocacy and promote the use of advocacy services among service users, carers and statutory, voluntary and community groups through the provision of information, presentations and publications etc.
• To assist on the development of, implement and monitor the performance and quality measures agreed by the organisation and ensure that high standards as are maintained.
• To ensure that accurate and confidential records are maintained in line with the policies and procedures set out by the organisation.
• To identify training needs and assist in the development, arrangement and deliver of appropriate training courses.
• To undertake direct advocacy casework.

Person Specification

Essential

• Working knowledge of social work, health and Housing systems.
• An understanding of the principles of advocacy.
• Ability to supervise, support and mentor
• An understanding of the issues facing people recently liberated form Prison in society.
• An ability to represent the interests and needs of those leaving prison.
• Demonstrable commitment to the principles of empowerment and self-determination.
• The ability to work with a range of individuals and agencies at all levels.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Full current driving licence.
• Good organisational skills and an ability to maintain accurate records.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach.

Independent Advocacy Workers play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking a range of advocacy roles which may include empowering, informing, enabling and representing people in a variety of settings. Advocacy Workers assist the C.E.O., Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator, and other team members in the achievement of the objectives of the Service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake advocacy work as directed by the Operations Manager. Visiting adults in their own homes, hospitals at agreed venues and travelling independently

• To assist in the processing, prioritisation of and response to referrals received by the Service.

• To maintain client and operational records as required and to maintain a high standard in all elements of reporting and communication.

• To undertake individual casework (and on occasions group casework), working alongside service users to promote self-determination and support their rights and to have their voice heard.

• To establish a supportive relationship with individual clients and provide an ‘independent voice’ on their behalf.

• To represent the views and wishes of the individual at a variety of formal and statutory meetings (e.g. Mental Health Tribunals, Adults with Incapacity Case Conferences) or in other contexts

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy service are looking for a person who may have had experience of problematic alcohol or substance use, either;

• Personally and in recovery

• Worked in Recovery and substance use support services.

• or someone close to you.

The post will focus on improving access to independent advocacy and other local supports for people impacted by problematic alcohol or substance use. The post will also provide rights based advocacy approach in line with the Scottish Government’s Strategy: Rights, Respect and Recovery.

This post requires the successful candidate to apply for membership of the PVG Scheme.

This will be achieved by:

• undertaking relevant training on a Rights Based Approach in Independent Advocacy

• working with individuals in line with the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance

• working within the aims of LAAS

• managing your workload efficiently in accordance with the policies and procedures of LAAS

• working as an individual and being self motivated, but also ability to work as part of a team

• developing your skills by identifying opportunities for learning

• promoting and raising awareness of LAAS and its work across Cowal area

• monitoring progress towards specific project targets and outcomes

• using networking techniques to create links with appropriate individuals and groups (statutory and voluntary) to raise awareness of Independent Advocacy

• supporting LAAS to develop and deliver learning opportunities

We have been providing advocacy support to the residents of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute for over 20 years.

Initially focusing on those with a mental health issue, learning disability and older people, in hospital, care homes and in the community, our service has grown to cover a wide range of individual need.

Our independent advocates are rights based – your role will be to offer information (but not advice) and support to assist clients in exploring options and making informed decisions about their lives. You will do this by researching information and familiarising yourself with people’s rights. As an independent advocate your role will include enabling the individual to be heard – either through speaking on their behalf or by enabling them to do so themselves and to support their rights.

The advocate’s focus is the person, their wishes and issues, views and rights.

The successful candidate will be able to form positive relationships with those vulnerable adults in need and with other professionals and services; from NHS staff, to Police and Criminal Justice staff, Psychiatrists, Housing providers and Social Workers and all other professionals who become involved in someone’s life. You will support the individuals to navigate this world, be heard and to feel heard and to have their rights respected. With the support of the wider organisation and experienced colleagues you will receive a full induction. You will be asked to manage a caseload and to be flexible in your approach.

The successful candidate will have a commitment to upholding individuals’ rights, a willingness to learn, be non judgemental and have the interpersonal skills to develop trust and leave the individual “feeling heard” and respected, whatever their views or perspective.

Independent advocates are expected to recognise and maintain professional boundaries and have the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines as well as working on one’s initiative and as part of a team.

LAAS core hours of work are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but some flexibility may be required. Our head office is in Dumbarton.

Part time or full time or flexible (minimum 15 hrs- maximum 35 hours p.w.) are available and to be agreed with the successful candidates. The posts will cover the West Dunbartonshire area with travel to Helensburgh and South East Argyll, Glasgow and occasionally Mid Argyll required.

Do you live in West Dunbartonshire or Argyll and Bute? Would you like to support and organisation whose sole role is to assist these residents speak up, have their voices heard and their rights upheld? Then read on!

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service provide advocacy support to vulnerable adults and often those using health and social work services or may be seeking to access services. Our service is growing, and we need the support of a varied and committed board. Meetings are usually 5 or 6 times a year in person or via video conference

Established in 2002 and with advocates across both local authority areas, we work face to face with those detained under the mental health act, using services, under Adults with Incapacity or Adult Support and Protection and those with needs arising from alcohol or substance use, amongst others. We form a key part of users’ rights and can assist people “stuck” or delayed in hospital with no where to go or unable to get the help and support they want and need.

We are looking to enhance our existing board with volunteers and would welcome those who have used our services or and/ those with a legal, finance, HR or Communications background. Experience in what Advocacy does or how Social Work works is not essential- what we want and would value is different experiences and skill that can help us operate and contribute to the governance of the organisation.

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service have been providing advocacy support to the residents of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute for over 20 years.

Following an expansion of our services to support adults challenged by addictions and an internal promotion, we have a vacancy for an Advocacy Coordinator.

Based in our Dumbarton Head Office, the role combines the delivery of direct advocacy services, the supervision of Advocacy Workers and a responsibility for the work of a small team. Focussed on delivering our core advocacy support to those with a Mental Illness, the elderly and frail and those detained in Hospital but ready to leave, and vulnerable adults in the community requiring support.

We are seeking an individual with an understanding of and a commitment to the Principles of Independent Advocacy. The successful applicant will:

· Have experience of working in the social work/ social care sector

· Ability to or experience of supervising staff

· An understanding of the issues facing vulnerable adults and those with mental health challenges

· An ability to represent the views, interests and needs of vulnerable adults

· Excellent verbal communication and listening skills

· A commitment to uphold the human rights of all

· Good organisation skills and ability to manage own workload

· Demonstrable commitment to the principles of empowerment and self-determination.

· Ability to travel independently throughout West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow.

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Charlie Coggrave or Caroline McAllister on 01389 726543.