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Disclaimer: I understand that if I want a policy that reflects the latest legislation and is appropriate to my organisation, I will seek

specialist legal advice. Policies, job descriptions and person specifications are intended for guidance only and do not act as a substitute for professional advice. I understand that if my organisation decides to rely on a document obtained from the NCVO's HRBank, it does so at its own risk. XXX Striving to be an Equal Opportunities Employer JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE OF POST: Advocacy Officer GRADE:

PENSION: ANNUAL LEAVE: HOURS OF WORK P.W.: RESPONSIBLE TO: RESPONSIBLE FOR: PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Contributory pension scheme: Employee - 6%, Employer - 6%. 26 days a year plus bank holidays. Pro rata 28 ELIGIBLE FOR JOB SHARE: Advice and Rights Manager Mentoring and Supervision of Volunteers

No

1. To provide a direct advocacy service, using a person-centred, holistic approach, working with and for older people in the Borough of XXX. 2. To work with the Advice and Rights Manager in developing the XXX Advocacy Service. 3. To carry an advocacy caseload, providing casework support to vulnerable older people 4. To work closely with BMER community groups and organizations, particularly the XXX Women's Organisation, Chinese Community Centre, and Bangladeshi organizations, to develop advocacy and offer second tier support. 5. To liaise with and refer on to other voluntary and statutory agencies as appropriate. To keep up to date on what is offered by other agencies. 6. To assist with the appropriate public promotion of the service 1. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Requirements specific to this job: 1. To assess referrals of older people requesting an advocate and if not appropriate to refer them onto other services. 2. To provide direct advocacy support. 3. To join in the Duty rota for providing advice and information, and to follow up and complete work from Duty as far as possible. 4. To manage own caseload ensuring that work is purposeful and to clear targets. 5. To be responsible for the implementation of monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance procedures.

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6. To ensure all records of the Advocacy service are kept up-to-date. 7. To ensure that the Advocacy Service is run according to relevant policies and procedures and to develop additional policies and procedures as necessary. 8. To work with the Advice and Rights Manager in exploring new opportunities for the Advocacy service 9. To contribute to the design and updating of publicity materials for the service. 10. To ensure appropriate public promotion of the service. 11. To ensure XXX is kept up-to-date on developments in the advocacy field. 12. To network and liaise where appropriate with other professionals. 13. To make use of Information Technology, and undertake training as required. 14. To provide weekly case updates to line manager on advocacy cases, and prioritize and manage cases in line with quality standards Administration and record keeping

1. To compile statistical information relating to cases and finance as required by the organization,
and other reports as required

2. To maintain all files and records in the required format, and up to date, so they can be easily
accessed as required. To ensure the completion of all forms, applications and correspondence as necessary and the keeping of copies as required.

3. To assist with the maintenance of an information and resource system for the team. 4. To ensure that the relevant procedures for opening and closing cases are observed. 5. To make use of Information Technology, undertaking training as appropriate.
General 1. To visit older people and their carers in their homes and interview them in office premises or other locations as appropriate 2. To participate in lunchtime cover rota for reception duty, including answering phone, welcoming and directing visitors, and signposting to other organisations. 3.To also cover reception for short periods of time at other times when necessary 4. To take part in quality assurance and user feedback exercises as required 5. In all work to maintain the highest levels of client care and a customer focus, and to enhance the choices and positive living for older people 6. To represent XXX on working groups and committees as required 7. To engage in the supervision and appraisal scheme

General Requirements 1. The post may involve occasional evening or weekend work, for which Time Off In Lieu can be clamed.

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2. Under the health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated guidance, it is the duty of all staff while at work to take adequate care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions 3. The post holder is required to implement XXXs Equality and Diversity Policy. and ensure Equal Opportunities principles are incorporated into the planning, delivery and monitoring of services. 4. XXX operates a No Smoking Policy and all staff are required to comply with this 5. All staff are required to work within XXXs policies, ensuring these are carried out in relation to the job e.g. Confidentiality, quality procedures etc. 6. All staff may be asked to undertake other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade as determined by their Line Manager on a occasional basis 7. This job description reflects the requirements of the post at the time of writing. The needs and circumstances may change over time and therefore the Job Description may need to be reviewed in the light of any such changes which may occur FUNCTIONAL LINKS Internal Advice and Rights Manager, Advice and Support Team, Services Manager, Citizen Advocacy Co-ordinator, other members of the Support Services team, volunteers, resource centre staff External XXX. The co-ordinator will also be required to have links with other statutory and voluntary organisations involved in health or social care work. Job Description Agreed by: SIGNATURE Chief Executive Officer Line Manager Postholder DATE

Date: July 2009

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PERSON SPECIFICATION POST TITLE: ADVOCACY OFFICER GRADE:

The requirements stated below relate solely to the duties and responsibilities laid out in the Job Description. Applicants should provide evidence of their ability to meet the following criteria. NB: Application forms should cover all criteria, any of which may be pursued at interview. CRITERIA METHOD OF ASSESSMENT A= Application I = Interview E= Exercise KNOWLEDGE Understanding the needs of older people for advocacy. Knowledge of services available for older people and their carers. Understanding of the role of the voluntary sector. Understanding of the principles and practice of advocacy. SKILLS & ABILITIES Excellent verbal communication and negotiation skills. Ability to provide a person-centred holistic style to advocacy, interviews and casework Good written communication skills. Skills in assessing the needs of older people. Ability to advocate on behalf of others. Skills in helping people to advocate for themselves. Skills in providing information, advice and assistance. Project management skills. Ability to plan, record and organise work to clear targets. Ability to create effective links with professionals in all relevant sectors. Ability to represent XXX and the project at meetings and conferences.

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EXPERIENCE 16 Experience in using Microsoft Office, email and the internet. 17 A minimum of one year experience of providing information and advice, advocacy or legal assistance. 18 A minimum of one year experience of case work and assessing clients. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING 19 Training relevant to advocacy post i.e. training/courses in negotiation skills, How to advocate on someones behalf etc. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 20 21 Commitment to incorporating Equality and Diversity principles in all aspects of work. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 22 A willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends. A&I Able to visit clients at home. Equality and Diversity A&I A&I A&I A&I A&I

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