Organization: Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service have been delivering advocacy services to people in West
Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute council areas for over 20 years. Initially focusing on those with a statutory
need
for Advocacy under the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act and further supporting adults with a learning disability
and people in the local community, our service has grown to cover a wide range of individual need, including
specialist services supporting those challenged by addiction and those recently liberated from prison
Purpose of the Post: Practice Leads perform a key first line manager and leadership role for Lomond and Argyll
Advocacy Service whilst still taking responsibility for a case load and direct service provision. The postholder
takes responsibility for leading a small team of Advocacy workers, suitable to the hours and location of the
post. Taking responsibility in conjunction with the Operations Manager, for supervision, case work allocation
and prioritisation, leave, sickness absence, health and safety, expenses/ resources and case work, this post
offers direct support and leadership to the advocacy workers and volunteers (where applicable).
Post Holder will also deliver high quality advocacy services in addition to their leadership and management
role.
Main Responsibilities
- To lead, supervise, direct and support Advocacy Workers and Volunteers. To ensure one to one supervision, staff
appraisal, development, training, sickness management, the use of resources and expenses and appropriate
practice while supporting Advocacy Workers to provide a high-quality advocacy service.
- To ensure
Advocacy Workers are aware of and follow Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service Policies and Procedures and conform
to the tenets of the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance. To conduct return to work interviews and first line
grievance, disciplinary or complaint investigation supported by the Operational Manager. To be responsible for
the health and safety, work practice and day to day support of a small team of advocacy workers.
- To hold
a case load and deliver direct advocacy support to vulnerable adults in their area (and beyond as agreed). This
will from the majority of your working time and involve attending case conferences, meeting with individuals.
Offering information and seeking their views in order that they are heard.
- You will meet with a range of
Health, Social care and other services as part of your role to publicise your role as and advocate, the role of
advocacy and to develop networks to support your and your local advocates, networks for individuals .
- To
directly support and guide Volunteer Advocates and Advocacy Workers and / or recovery or justice workers or
other advocacy workers in their day to day practice and to take responsibility for the relevant areas of the
allocation and priority system, recording of case notes, diary management, safe working, practice and quality
audits and service evaluation and lone working practices and compliance with LAAS policy and
procedure.
- Alongside the Operational Manager and CEO, take forward the recruitment of and co-ordinate,
supervise and support the work of volunteer advocates and advocacy workers across Lomond and Argyll Advocacy
Service.
- To assist the Operational manager and CEO in the development of practice and policy and the
Leadership of Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service, taking responsibility for or contributing to workstreams,
project work, training, preparation of bids or applications for grant funding, presentations to external
organisations and forum and collegiate working with other organisations.
- To deputise for the Operational
Manager as appropriate and to form positive relationships with key stakeholders and external partners, dealing
with enquiries, complaints and raising issues as appropriate.
- To contribute to the development of
funding and service applications and to ensure the delivery of services which comply with the terms of our
funding
- 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 and other media and mechanisms.
- To implement and monitor the performance
and quality measures agreed by the organisation and ensure that high standards 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, often more complex cases, on a day
to day basis across any client group.
- To participate in and on occasion lead staff meetings and other
meetings as required.
- To offer support, guidance and leadership to staff across the organisation
including in the absence of colleagues/ allocated line manager
- To attend and participate in or develop
and provide training sessions as required.
- Any other tasks consistent with the remit of the
post.
Flexible hours to be worked between 9-5 Monday to Friday. Ability to work from home within area however the ability
to travel in the locality is essential.