Independent Advocate in Belfast

Salary: Band 5 - £33,649.03

Job Location: Various locations with travel and support required across Northern Ireland

Working Hours: F/T 35 hours per week

Duration: Fixed term until March 2027 (subject to Funding)

Disability Action is a dynamic and thriving charity committed to improving the lives of disabled people across Northern Ireland. We provide a wide range of services and support for and by disabled people which empower access to employment, education, advocacy and more, ensuring we can live independently and participate fully in society.

As part of our ongoing development and organisational developments, we are currently seeking an Independent Advocate to support and work alongside our already brilliant advocacy Team. This role will be essential in maintaining the advocacy support provided by Disability Action and supporting our efforts to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. The successful candidate will report into the Advocacy Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• To act as an advocate with Trust service users and arrange and attend meetings as appropriate.
• Building the independence of service users, including supporting service users in speaking up or acting for themselves or, at times when they are unable to do so, speaking or acting on their behalf if they wish this to happen.
• To work with people with learning disabilities in a range of settings including the community, supported living and in hospital or assessment centres.
• To work within the Advocacy Network Northern Ireland Code of Practice for Independent Advocates.
• To take on advocacy cases as allocated by the Advocacy Manager and prioritise workload based on contract criteria.
• To ensure, where appropriate, that there is ongoing consent with the service user and maintain written and accurate records that reflect their will and preferences and explanation of how and when this was obtained.
• To work with people with learning disabilities to enable people to make informed choices.
• To make referrals to specialist agencies and individuals when appropriate.
• To work in partnership with other agencies and individuals across pathways of care to ensure correct levels of support are in place.
• To manage caseloads effectively, ensuring all work is completed within agreed service timeframes, performance standards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Accurately record, update and manage client enquiries, advice and casework information using the Advice Pro case management system, ensuring data quality, confidentiality and compliance with organisational procedures.
• To adhere to all Disability Action policies, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, policies and best practice guidance.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries and work within the scope of and remit of the advocacy role at all times.
• Seek advice, supervision and support when managing complex, high risk or boundary-related situations.
• Maintain professional objectivity while building supportive relationships with service users.
• To undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time by Disability Action in line with the status of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Two years experience of delivering advocacy in a paid or unpaid capacity.
• Accredited Level 4 Award in Independent Advocacy (or a willingness to work towards achieving this within the first 12 months of employment), a third-level qualification, or an equivalent qualification.
• Evidence and understanding of managing a caseload.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by people who are facing disadvantage.
• The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, oral communication skills and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the complexities of attaining the perspective of people who lack mental capacity in decision making.
• Understanding of equal opportunities policy.
• Ability to keep up to date accurate and accessible electronic and paper case records.
• Possession of a full driving licence and access to a car for business travel.

Desirable Criteria

• Lived experience of disability.
• A social work qualification.
• An understanding of the complexity of the Northern Ireland Social Care System.

What we can offer you:

• Enhanced Maternity packages.
• Hybrid Working.
• Death in Service package.
• Cash plan.
• In house Counselling services.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
• 27 days paid holidays per year and 11 bank holidays (Based on a full time role).
• Opportunities for growth in business development, project implementation, training and development and personal development plans.

Disability Action is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing opportunities for all. We offer salary packages that are reflective of experience and aligned with industry standards, alongside a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. As a progressive charity, we provide our employees with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience across a wide range of areas in a secure and thriving workplace. We are a Responsible Body for Access NI. A disclosure check will be undertaken; however, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining this role.