Location:Head Office, Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BU

Job Title:Advocacy Development Officer

Department:Campaigns, Care and Information

Contract length:One year

Responsible to:Care, Information and Advocacy Manager

Responsible for:No direct reports but will supervise volunteers

Main Purpose of Job:

Co-ordinate and develop an existing network of peer to peer ‘Advocacy Ambassadors’ across England;
Managing and leading local ‘Muscle Groups’ to promote our services and provide direct support to people living with muscle wasting conditions; as well as liaising with health and social care professionals;
Liaise with the charity’s pro bono law firm in developing the advocacy service;
Ensure service users receive high quality support at all times
Represent families and individuals with muscle wasting conditions to ensure they receive statutory funding for the care and support they are entitled to;

Main areas of responsibility:

1. Co-ordinate and develop an existing network of peer to peer ‘Advocacy Ambassadors’ across England;

Work with patient representatives across 10 Muscle Groups in England to ensure availability for ongoing training opportunities for ‘Advocacy Ambassadors’; including online seminars and remote learning opportunities;

Ensure peer to peer support opportunities are available for people with the condition and their families;

Develop an ambassador-led advocacy pack for people to use; working closely with Neuromuscular Care Advisors and health professionals.

2.Managing and leading local ‘Muscle Groups’ to promote our services and provide direct support to people living with muscle wasting conditions; as well as liaising with health and social care professionals;

To arrange, attend and lead Muscle Group meetings and similar events to promote the work of the advocacy service; as well as the support from our Advocacy Ambassadors;
Identify individuals and families requiring advocacy support and introducing them to their local peer advocate;
Arrange and attend meetings of the advocacy service steering group; due to take place throughout the year

3. Liaise with the charity’s pro bono law firm in developing the advocacy service

Work closely with the charity’s pro bono law firm who are supporting the advocacy service; and identify cases requiring legal advice;

Supporting the development of the relationship between peer advocates and the pro bono law firm;
Ensure legal volunteers from the firm are supported at all times by the charity and kept up to date with developments and involved with the steering group

4. Represent families and individuals with muscle wasting conditions to ensure they receive statutory funding for the care and support they are entitled to;

To work alongside the Advocacy Officer in taking on individual cases and supporting enquirers with knowledge, sensitivity, professionalism; in line with Information Service policies and procedures at all times (with guidance and supervision from the Manager of the Information Service);
Write letters and undertake casework involving statutory authorities, health professionals, local MPs and our pro bono law firm;
To use MDUK data collection and monitoring systems to capture enquirer’s information on the database and conduct regular ongoing monitoring of, and reporting on, all services delivered;
To keep up to date with Information Service developments and ensure all parts of the Charity are advised accordingly.

Other:

To behave in accordance with the Charity’s values at all times
To prepare progress reports for line manager and others as agreed
To attend monthly supervision sessions, team and project meetings as required
To undertake any other such tasks as requested by the line manager.

Education

Degree and/or relevant professional qualification /

Essential

Good standard of Education /

Essential

Experience

Experience of casework, advocacy and promoting the rights of individuals /

Essential

Good understanding of policy issues relating to disability and knowledge of statutory services such as health and social services /

Desirable

Good understanding of current changes to welfare /

Essential

Experience of training and/or group facilitation and public speaking /

Desirable

Experience of working in partnership with other groups /

Desirable

Experience of working with and supporting volunteers /

Essential

Knowledge of Data Protection and also relevant aspects of Health & Safety legislation /

Essential

Skills and Personal Qualities

Understanding of the issues and the needs of people with disabilities

Essential

The ability to set instructions whilst empowering others to accomplish tasks. Demonstrates flexibility by adopting a management style to the given situation. /

Essential

The ability to manage your own time and tasks effectively. Taking an approach that is results orientated and systematic making you personally effective in managing own workload complying with set in-house policies, legislations, etc

Essential

The ability to recognise different directorates and departments at Muscular Dystrophy UK are all part of the same team. Recognises the role of stakeholders in delivering own work and involves appropriately and recognises own responsibility to supporting others

Essential

The ability to represent Muscular Dystrophy UK effectively and professionally. Produces clear and effective communications appropriate to the audience, utilising the most appropriate channel and in keeping with brand guidelines. /

Essential

The ability to work effectively with volunteers and supporters to deliver the charity’s goals. Recognises the value and contribution of volunteers and supporters – empowers others through provision of support, coaching and training.

Essential

Details

Hours – 35 per week. Details

Contract length – one year

Holidays – 25 days pro rata.

Evening and weekend activities involved – time off in lieu to be taken

Education

Degree and/or relevant professional qualificationEssential

Knowledge of Data Protection and also relevant aspects of Health & Safety legislation