Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service have been providing advocacy support to the residents of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute for over 20 years.

Following an expansion of our services to support adults challenged by addictions and an internal promotion, we have a vacancy for an Advocacy Coordinator.

Based in our Dumbarton Head Office, the role combines the delivery of direct advocacy services, the supervision of Advocacy Workers and a responsibility for the work of a small team. Focussed on delivering our core advocacy support to those with a Mental Illness, the elderly and frail and those detained in Hospital but ready to leave, and vulnerable adults in the community requiring support.

We are seeking an individual with an understanding of and a commitment to the Principles of Independent Advocacy. The successful applicant will:

· Have experience of working in the social work/ social care sector

· Ability to or experience of supervising staff

· An understanding of the issues facing vulnerable adults and those with mental health challenges

· An ability to represent the views, interests and needs of vulnerable adults

· Excellent verbal communication and listening skills

· A commitment to uphold the human rights of all

· Good organisation skills and ability to manage own workload

· Demonstrable commitment to the principles of empowerment and self-determination.

· Ability to travel independently throughout West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow.

For more information or an informal discussion please contact Charlie Coggrave or Caroline McAllister on 01389 726543.

Do you live in West Dunbartonshire or Argyll and Bute? Would you like to support and organisation whose sole role is to assist these residents speak up, have their voices heard and their rights upheld? Then read on!

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service provide advocacy support to vulnerable adults and often those using health and social work services or may be seeking to access services. Our service is growing, and we need the support of a varied and committed board. Meetings are usually 5 or 6 times a year in person or via video conference

Established in 2002 and with advocates across both local authority areas, we work face to face with those detained under the mental health act, using services, under Adults with Incapacity or Adult Support and Protection and those with needs arising from alcohol or substance use, amongst others. We form a key part of users’ rights and can assist people “stuck” or delayed in hospital with no where to go or unable to get the help and support they want and need.

We are looking to enhance our existing board with volunteers and would welcome those who have used our services or and/ those with a legal, finance, HR or Communications background. Experience in what Advocacy does or how Social Work works is not essential- what we want and would value is different experiences and skill that can help us operate and contribute to the governance of the organisation.

We have been providing advocacy support to the residents of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute for over 20 years.

Initially focusing on those with a mental health issue, learning disability and older people, in hospital, care homes and in the community, our service has grown to cover a wide range of individual need.

Our independent advocates are rights based – your role will be to offer information (but not advice) and support to assist clients in exploring options and making informed decisions about their lives. You will do this by researching information and familiarising yourself with people’s rights. As an independent advocate your role will include enabling the individual to be heard – either through speaking on their behalf or by enabling them to do so themselves and to support their rights.

The advocate’s focus is the person, their wishes and issues, views and rights.

The successful candidate will be able to form positive relationships with those vulnerable adults in need and with other professionals and services; from NHS staff, to Police and Criminal Justice staff, Psychiatrists, Housing providers and Social Workers and all other professionals who become involved in someone’s life. You will support the individuals to navigate this world, be heard and to feel heard and to have their rights respected. With the support of the wider organisation and experienced colleagues you will receive a full induction. You will be asked to manage a caseload and to be flexible in your approach.

The successful candidate will have a commitment to upholding individuals’ rights, a willingness to learn, be non judgemental and have the interpersonal skills to develop trust and leave the individual “feeling heard” and respected, whatever their views or perspective.

Independent advocates are expected to recognise and maintain professional boundaries and have the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines as well as working on one’s initiative and as part of a team.

LAAS core hours of work are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but some flexibility may be required. Our head office is in Dumbarton.

Part time or full time or flexible (minimum 15 hrs- maximum 35 hours p.w.) are available and to be agreed with the successful candidates. The posts will cover the West Dunbartonshire area with travel to Helensburgh and South East Argyll, Glasgow and occasionally Mid Argyll required.

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy service are looking for a person who may have had experience of problematic alcohol or substance use, either;

• Personally and in recovery

• Worked in Recovery and substance use support services.

• or someone close to you.

The post will focus on improving access to independent advocacy and other local supports for people impacted by problematic alcohol or substance use. The post will also provide rights based advocacy approach in line with the Scottish Government’s Strategy: Rights, Respect and Recovery.

This post requires the successful candidate to apply for membership of the PVG Scheme.

This will be achieved by:

• undertaking relevant training on a Rights Based Approach in Independent Advocacy

• working with individuals in line with the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance

• working within the aims of LAAS

• managing your workload efficiently in accordance with the policies and procedures of LAAS

• working as an individual and being self motivated, but also ability to work as part of a team

• developing your skills by identifying opportunities for learning

• promoting and raising awareness of LAAS and its work across Cowal area

• monitoring progress towards specific project targets and outcomes

• using networking techniques to create links with appropriate individuals and groups (statutory and voluntary) to raise awareness of Independent Advocacy

• supporting LAAS to develop and deliver learning opportunities

Independent Advocacy Workers play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking a range of advocacy roles which may include empowering, informing, enabling and representing people in a variety of settings. Advocacy Workers assist the C.E.O., Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator, and other team members in the achievement of the objectives of the Service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake advocacy work as directed by the Operations Manager. Visiting adults in their own homes, hospitals at agreed venues and travelling independently

• To assist in the processing, prioritisation of and response to referrals received by the Service.

• To maintain client and operational records as required and to maintain a high standard in all elements of reporting and communication.

• To undertake individual casework (and on occasions group casework), working alongside service users to promote self-determination and support their rights and to have their voice heard.

• To establish a supportive relationship with individual clients and provide an ‘independent voice’ on their behalf.

• To represent the views and wishes of the individual at a variety of formal and statutory meetings (e.g. Mental Health Tribunals, Adults with Incapacity Case Conferences) or in other contexts