JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Holder: / Signature: / Date:
Manager: / Signature: / Date:
JOB TITLE:Advocacy Co-ordinator

LOCATION:Age UK Northumberland (The Roundhouse)

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Head of Service Development

RESPONSIBLE FOR:Relevant paid staff/volunteers

PURPOSE:To coordinate & deliver independent case advocacy for older people across Northumberland in line with funding requirements

MAIN DUTIES:

  1. To co-ordinate and develop the advocacy service.
  1. To provide independent case advocacy.
  1. To manage and supervise paid staff and sessional workers if appropriate
  1. To recruit volunteers to act as advocates when appropriate and provide appropriate support and supervision
  1. To work in partnership with other organisations maintaining existing links and creating new in line with AUKN’s Engagement Strategy.
  1. To promote and market the advocacy service, liaising with regional and national networks.
  1. To monitor the work of the service and provide verbal & written reports within given timescales.
  1. To seek and write funding bids to attain funding from identified funding bodies aiming to enhance and sustain the service.
  1. To contribute to the development of systems and procedures as they apply to the advocacyservice.
  1. To provide quality control measures to ensure effectiveness of service.
  1. To assist the organisation to attain all Organisational Quality Standards including ISO and Age UK quality standard.
  1. To ensure compliance with relevant contracts and funding agreements.
  1. To ensure good customer relations and customer experience are kept at all times.
  1. To develop and maintain electronic records and monitor clients targeted to facilitate production of reports.
  1. To ensure that all relevant monitoring and evaluation of service is carried out efficiently and comprehensively.
  1. To provide regular written and verbal reports on the operation and development of the advocacy service
  1. To monitor outputs, financial controls and budgets for advocacy service.
  1. To undertake training as necessary.
  1. To ensure that the organisation’s Equal Opportunities policies, principles and practices are observed and implemented throughout service delivery.
  1. To abide by all other policies and procedures of Age UK Northumberland.
  1. To undertake any other duties as delegated by the Chief Executive.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE:Advocacy Co-ordinator

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE / ASSESSED BY
EDUCATION & TRAINING / Good basic education
IT skills.
The ability to undertake Independent Advocacy Qualification (if not already held). / Communications skills training
National qualification in independent advocacy (Level 3 IAQ) / Application form
EXPERIENCE / A sound understandingof advocacy.
Maintaining accurate case records
Development and promotion of good relations with clients and external agencies
Previous experience of providing independent case advocacy
Experience of bid writing
Experience of contract management
Experience of budget management / Experience of working in the voluntary sector and working with volunteers
A knowledge of older peoples issues / Application form, interview
SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES / Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The ability to set priorities and work to them while remaining responsive to events.
The ability to work well within a team of staff.
Patience and understanding
Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality / Knowledge of the County of Northumberland
The ability to communicate well and work sensitively with individuals, groups and organisations including those with mental health needs. / Application form, interview
VALUES & ATTITUDES / Committed to equal opportunities practices
To be honest, trustworthy and respect confidentiality
Ability to work with people with diverse needs and complex issues in a calm and supportive manner
To respect the rights of older people, freedom of choice, dignity and independence / Good understanding of the Human Rights, Disability Rights and Mental Health policy issues which are relevant to advocacy. / Interview, references, probationary period
OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS / Ability to work using own initiative with a flexible approach. / Holder of a current full driving licence and access to a car / Interview, references, probationary period

Organisational Chart

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