Healthcare Advocate & Community Liaison

The Elfrida Society is a respected, user-led charity with over 100 years of history supporting adults, parents and families with learning disabilities (LD). We champion rights, inclusion and equality. Our work ensures that people who face systemic barriers are heard, respected and able to influence decisions affecting their lives.

Our advocacy services are central to our mission. We provide high-quality, independent, rights-based advocacy that empowers individuals and families to navigate complex systems including social care, health, education and legal processes.

The post holder will support people with learning disabilities to access, understand and engage with healthcare services. This includes individual advocacy, hospital and provider liaison, and contributing to awareness-raising and self-advocacy initiatives. The role aims to ensure people with LD receive appropriate, fair and non-discriminatory support from healthcare services and are empowered to understand their rights, request reasonable adjustments, and participate confidently in their own care.

The post holder will also work collaboratively with other teams across The Elfrida Society to support the wider delivery of advocacy for adults and parents, where their capacity, skills and experience allow. From time to time, and with mutual agreement, they may take on additional advocacy tasks outside the core healthcare remit. Where extra work is required and agreed with the Head of Services, the post holder may work overtime hours, which will be paid at the standard hourly rate.

Person Specification

• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Strong advocacy skills and a commitment to promoting rights and inclusion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal ability to build rapport with diverse groups.
• Experience delivering workshops or training, or the ability to develop these skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of the healthcare system, reasonable adjustments, and relevant legislation.
• Ability to work proactively, independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, empathetic and solution-focused approach.

Desirable

• Qualifications in social care, health, education or a related field.
• Experience in hospital liaison or similar roles.
• Understanding of local healthcare pathways and community resources.
• Experience supporting people in complex or challenging situations using advocacy tools.

What We Offer

• 30 days annual leave plus 8 public bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous occupational sick pay scheme
• Access to independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular clinical supervision and reflective practice support
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Travel expenses reimbursed.
• A supportive, collaborative, and values-driven culture

Safeguarding

The Elfrida Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults and children. The successful candidate will be subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check
• Satisfactory references
• Right to work verification