Darlington Association on Disability

Independent/Trainee Advocate

Job Type: DAD

DAD (Centre for Independent Living) is seeking to recruit an Independent Advocate / Trainee Advocate who is passionate about advocacy, supporting people to have their voice heard and upholding and safeguarding the rights of people we support. 

The advocate would be part of a motivated, dedicated and proactive team of advocates who provide high quality advocacy across the North East. 

We are particularly seeking applicants who live in the Redcar, Stockton and Middlesbrough area, however the role will include work across the North East and therefore a car driver or access to own transport is essential.

The post would be suitable for either experienced and qualified advocates but a traineeship will be considered for the right person.

The role will involve supporting people to speak up for themselves, to be fully involved in the decisions and processes that affect their lives, to obtain information and to understand their options and rights.  It will also involve supporting people who are unable to instruct an advocate.

The training post would provide an incredible opportunity for the right candidate and would include fully funded training to achieve a level 4 diploma National Advocacy Qualification and completed within agreed timescales, some home study is expected.  It would involve the applicant being self motivated to learn new skills and knowledge.

All candidates must show they value equality, empowerment and supporting people to have their voice heard when decisions are being made about their lives, applicants must have amazing communication and listening skills and able to adapt their communication to meet the needs of people we support.  In addition all applicants must  have the skills to research and understand often new and complex information including legal information.  If you you have the right experience, skills, values, drive and enthusiasm needed for this role, in turn DAD will provide a positive and supportive team environment, with excellent support, conditions and progression.

Salary: £10.82 – £13.09 per hour depending on qualifications/experience

Please note: The higher pay scales will be awarded only to successful applicants who are in possession of a Diploma in advocacy and completed units in all areas of statutory advocacy and an experienced advocate. For other applicants the  starting rate will be based on any existing advocacy experience and/or advocacy qualification already achieved.  Starting rate for traineeships will start at the lower rate increase after a successful 3 month probation period to £11.23/hr and will increase incrementally as qualifications and experience are achieved.  Please see the end of the job description regarding training opportunities offered and required for unqualified advocates and terms regarding achieving these.

Hours: 30 to  37.5  hours

Location: Based at the offices of Darlington Association on Disability in Darlington alongside home (travel is expected across Tees Valley regularly, and in other areas of the North East at times).  There will be mix of office and home working, after six months home working will increase.  Advocates work in a variety of settings including in people’s homes, hospitals and care home settings.

Holidays: 25 days per annum (pro rata if less than 37.5), Bank Holidays, entitlement increases with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days plus bank holidays.

Other: A competitive sick scheme is available after the necessary qualifying period. Employee Assistance Scheme is also offered.

You will be trained to provide a range of types of advocacy support (subject to current training), including:

• Relevant Person’s Representative, for people who are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy, for people subject to the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Care Act Advocacy
• Independent Mental Capacity Act advocacy.
• General advocacy
• Specialist mental health advocacy
• Self advocacy facilitation

We reserve the right to close the vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications.

Please note only successful applicants will be contacted for interview. Applicants successful at the interview stage would be required to have an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and other pre employment checks. By making an application you consent to us storing and processing your information for the purpose of recruitment  in line with GDPR and undertaking necessary checks.

Apply online for Independent/Trainee Advocate

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