SEAS Advocate in Kent, Swanley

Hours: 37 hours per week

Area: Kent

Location: Hybrid (Some homeworking with travel across Kent and Medway)

Office-Base: Swanley

Salary: £26,955.24 per annum

Fixed term contract until 31st of March 2027, with possibility of extension.

Summary

The SEAS Advocate is responsible for delivering both one-to-one and group support for autistic adults as part of the South East Autism Support (SEAS) Programme. Working primarily in West and North Kent, you will support individuals through time-limited self-advocacy sessions and facilitate regular peer support groups, both online and in-person. You will manage your own caseload, collaborate with local organisations, and help grow the service in response to member needs.

About Our Client and the SEAS Programme

Our client is a locally rooted advocacy organisation with a strong history, which exists to give people a voice through one-to-one advocacy and self-advocacy groups. They believe that Bigger Voices = Better Lives. Their approach is person-centred, empowering and rights focussed. The SEAS Programme is built on the principles of self-advocacy. Their role is to support autistic adults (our client's Members) to develop their confidence, understand their rights, and speak up for themselves. They do not offer advice or speak on behalf of individuals. Instead, they create safe, supportive spaces where people can access information, explore options, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Geographical Responsibilities

This role covers EITHER West and North Kent (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Gravesend, and Dartford) OR East Kent, Mid Kent and Medway (Ashford, Maidstone, Medway, and Swale) OR South Kent (Canterbury, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe, and Dover). Regular travel within these areas is required to support Members and deliver services. Occasional travel outside this region may also be needed to support the wider team. You will be responsible for promoting the service locally, building relationships with organisations, securing venues, and adapting the offer to meet the needs of each area. You'll also monitor progress and contribute to reporting. Travel expenses beyond the equivalent return trip to your base office in Swanley will be reimbursed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a SEAS Advocate, your role will be varied and people focused. While no two days are the same, your responsibilities will broadly fall into the following areas:

• Group Facilitation and Community Building: Lead and develop All Together Autistic peer support groups in your region. Manage venues, schedules, and communications with Members. Create inclusive, engaging spaces shaped by Member interests and feedback.
• One-to-One Self-Advocacy: Deliver six-week Touch Base interventions, supporting Members to set and achieve SMART goals. Provide sessions online or in-person in accessible community settings. Encourage Members to understand their rights and make informed choices.
• Outreach and Service Development: Build partnerships with local organisations to raise awareness of the SEAS Programme. Support promotion through events, networking, and Member-led feedback. Contribute ideas for improving and expanding services.
• Communication and Administration: Respond promptly and professionally to enquiries. Maintain accurate case notes, records, and outcome data. Assist in creating newsletters, flyers, and online materials.
• Teamwork and Organisation: Attend supervision, team meetings, and training. Provide cover for colleagues and uphold safeguarding, data protection, and equality policies. Work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekends, and travel across Kent and Medway as required.

Person Specification

Suitability for the role will be assessed through CV, and at interview against the following criteria:

• Qualifications and Training: Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) and commitment to further training. Full UK driving licence and business-use insurance. Level 4 qualification or higher (Desirable).
• Knowledge and Experience: At least one year's experience supporting or advocating with autistic adults. Understanding of autism, safeguarding, and equality principles. Experience maintaining accurate records and managing caseloads. Experience facilitating groups, supporting volunteers, or personal experience of autism (Desirable).
• Skills and Abilities: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Person-centred, empowering approach. Confident with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and digital platforms. Strong initiative and organisational skills; able to work independently. Experience producing digital or social media content (Desirable).
• Personal Attributes: Empathetic, reliable, and proactive. Flexible and willing to work some evenings or weekends. Commitment to Advocacy for All's mission and values.

Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Our client is unable to offer sponsorship or assist with visa applications. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 3rd of November 2025.