About Libra Partnership

Founded in 2016, Libra has provided a voice for hundreds of individuals across the UK by delivering Statutory and non-statutory advocacy. We are a team of over 20 dedicated and knowledgeable Independent Advocates whose regular training combined with both lived and professional experience enable us to provide advocacy support of the highest standard.

It is an exciting time of further growth for us and we are looking for a new person to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your advocacy skills in a supportive environment.

Role overview

As an Independent Advocate (statutory and non-statutory) you will work closely with your team members to ensure delivery of the service to the highest standards within Medway. You will split your time between both statutory and non-statutory advocacy services.

- Non-Statutory Advocacy in Medway is focused on providing advocacy for families, particularly parents of children who are in or are at risk of being taken into care, through The Family Partnership. (www.thefamilypartnership.co.uk) Your role will be to support service users express their views, secure their rights, pursue their interests, and obtain the services they need. You will work in partnership with people, promoting equality, social inclusion, and social justice.

- Statutory Advocacy in Medway is focused on representing the views, wishes and feelings of qualifying individuals under The Mental Health Act, The Care Act, The Mental Capacity Act and Relevant Persons Representative (RPR), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Care Act Advocacy (CAA) and also supporting people with Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and NHS complaints.

Key responsibilities

- To work as part of a team to provide outcome-focused, issue-based, person-directed independent advocacy, in line with the relevant legislation for the advocacy discipline, regulations, codes of practice, and internal policy & procedures.

- To effectively manage your own caseload of clients and prioritise work accordingly including visits, report writing and professional meetings

- To liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with a wide range of people and organisations and professionals

- To identify risks in delivering the service and ensure compliance with risk management procedures

- To understand the relevant legislation and all organisational procedures in relation to safeguarding, including the need for timely and accurate reporting

- To prioritise all work to meet the needs of clients and decision-makers

- To understand individual responsibility for organisational and personal health and safety

- To always act on behalf of the client, following their instruction where applicable, acting as directed by them, and representing their wishes or choices.

- To promote the rights, equality, diversity, and needs of all by ensuring they are respected and valued as individuals.

- Promote self-advocacy as a strategy to build confidence and independence

- Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all data

- A commitment to training and continual personal development

The skills and qualities we need you to have

- An understanding of the health and social care sector, and relevant legislation as it applies to the role

- Independent Advocacy Qualification L4 or a willingness to work towards

- Relevant experience delivering advocacy

- Organized and motivated

- Own car & willingness to travel for work (mostly Medway)

- Comfortable working from home/remotely and managing your own schedule

- Interested in personal and professional development

- Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

- An understanding of the purpose and principles of Independent Advocacy

Desirable experience:

- Experience in supporting people through Best Interest Meetings, Care Act assessments, Safeguarding Enquiries, or Mental Health meetings etc

- Experience in working on Mental Health wards in hospital settings

- Experience in working with Social Care professionals

- Experience in supporting people through the NHS complaint’s procedure

Skills & attributes required:

Advocates are always expected to uphold the organisation’s principles and values and to contribute towards building and maintaining a culture of trust and personal responsibility through their behaviours. The personal attributes needed to succeed in the role and contribute to the organisation’s culture are as follows:

- Communication skills Decision-making skills

- Teamwork

- Personal Responsibility

- Client Focus

- Leadership

- Integrity

- Positive Attitude

What we offer:

- Regular working hours - Monday to Friday 9-5

- Remote working with travel to see clients

- Opportunity to work at our office in Maidstone if you wish

- Competitive pay plus workplace pension

- 28 days’ paid holiday per holiday year

- A work phone and laptop with IT support

- Ongoing training and development opportunities

- Support from our amazing team

Location:

Working from home or from our office with travel across Medway for meetings with clients. You must live within a reasonable distance of Medway and be willing to travel within the area.

--

To be considered for this role, please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter outlining your skills, experience and why you think you would be a good fit for Libra. CV’s without a covering letter will not be read.

The closing date for application is Sunday 20th November, however, we reserve the right to withdraw the advert early should we find the right candidate. Interviews will take place w/c 28.11.2022. Due to the nature of the work, you will need to provide references and undertake a full DBS check prior to starting with us.