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.

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 service sits alongside our adult service of Individual Advocacy for people who are affected by drugs or alcohol, and our new area of work providing individual advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community 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 6 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.

Close the Gap values diversity in our workforce and particularly encourages applications from disabled people and racially minoritised people, who are current underrepresented in our team.

Flexible working options are available for this role, and we’re open to jobshare applications.

Role purpose

To effectively communicate Close the Gap’s work in innovative, authoritative, and accessible ways to our key audiences – employers, policymakers, women, trade unions and wider civil society. To develop and implement Close the Gap’s communications strategy, helping to create new and engaging approaches to promote our work. A key part of this role is co-ordinating Close the Gap’s social media channels and websites, to promote our products and services to employers and build Close the Gap’s brand recognition.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced communications professional who understands how to craft effective messaging that can motivate action on gender inequality. You’ll have great ideas on how to expand the reach of our work and be able to effectively market our products and services to key stakeholders. You’ll be able to create tailored content for our different audiences, and communicate complex information in accessible and engaging ways.

You’ll be a core part of our team, who’s proactive about getting things done, and willing to take the lead on key projects.

Organisation profile

Close the Gap is Scotland’s expert policy advocacy organisation working on women’s labour market participation. Our vision is for a Scotland where all women have a good working life. We do this by working strategically with policymakers, employers and unions to influence and enable action that will address the causes of the gender pay gap.

Are you looking to make a positive change in society through policy work? Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for people and communities across Scotland? At Samaritans Scotland we are seeking an experienced Policy and Engagement Officer to join our friendly team.

You’ll support our work to reduce suicide by developing and influencing policy and practice at national and local levels. You’ll also support positive, informed engagement with communities and key stakeholders to strengthen the effective delivery of Samaritans’ policy work in Scotland.

We are a flexible and inclusive organisation. Our team is growing in Scotland and you’ll be able to influence key policy and practice in our community. We are moving from strength to strength and this role will make a real and lasting difference to ensure fewer lives are lost to suicide.

• £33,000-£33,500 per annum plus benefits
• Permanent role
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working – Regular office working in Edinburgh with travel in and around Scotland, plus home working
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

Samaritans Scotland

Join a friendly, supportive, and ambitious staff team in Scotland. Our established Policy and Communications team is working with Scottish Government, MSPs and partners to achieve change and have an impact on suicide risk. There are around 1000 Samaritans volunteers across Scotland working in our 19 branches. These volunteers respond to calls for help every day of the week via telephone, e-mail, text and in person at our branches or at events across Scotland.

We also work with the public and the media to inform them about Samaritans and explain how we can help people find their own way forward. We reach out to groups where there is a high risk of suicide and emotional distress.

What’s in it for you – our benefits

So, you want to work for us? Good choice. We like it here too. We offer competitive salaries, flexible and hybrid working to suit your needs, family-friendly policies, 28 days annual leave inclusive of wellbeing days and a matched pension contribution up to 5%. You’ll have a structured induction and ongoing projects, secondments & learning opportunities. We also have colleague-led affinity groups made up of people with shared identities.

Your health and wellbeing is our priority. We have a staff community of Mental Health First Aiders, a Health Cash Plan and an Employee Assistance Programme. You’ll have free subscriptions to Headspace (your personal guide to mindfulness, sleep, focus, movement, and more) & Perkbox (an employee benefits platform with online exercise classes). That’s not all. We listen to your ideas and have staff forum and social committee networks.

Hybrid and flexible working

We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in person and remotely. We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our work and home lives. So, if you need to walk the dog, go to the gym, or have commitments outside of work, we’re open to talking through flexible working options that work for you and us.

Being Inclusive

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from Disabled, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans