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VOLUNTEER TITLE
Volunteer Generic Advocate
ACCOUNTABLE TO
Engagement Coordinator for Luton
& Supervising Advocate for Luton

RESPONSIBLE FOR
Providing a supportive and non-judgmental advocacy support to clients.

Allowing clients time to express their advocacy need, their issues and their desired outcome.

Meet and support vulnerable adults to help them speak up for themselves or to speak up on their behalf during Child Protection, Child In Need, Looked after Child meetings.

The main focus will be empowering the client by helping them understand their rights, access services, raise complaints or attend meetings.

Signpost to other relevant services in Luton.

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY To work within the agreed frameworks of Community ConneX – Advocacy 1st, including policies and procedures, budgets and legislation.

CORE VALUES Work in accordance with Community ConneX Core Values which are:

To value, support and provide choices for young children, disabled people and those experiencing other disadvantage and their families, to ensure their needs, rights and aspirations are met.

SAFEGUARDING/HEALTH AND SAFETY
Awareness of the importance of safeguarding and working in accordance with Community Connex’s Safeguarding Procedures to proactively identify and take appropriate action regarding any Safeguarding concerns and Human Rights breaches, in accordance with the organisation’s policy and procedures.

Awareness of Health & Safety Requirements and working in accordance with Community Connex’s Health & Safety Procedures.

DIVERSITY Working within equal opportunities and diversity policies, ensuring cultural and community understanding and sensitivity

Ensuring full awareness and understanding of anti-discriminatory practice.

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES Maintaining boundaries: Ensure professional and ethical standards are met while engaging with vulnerable adults.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Key responsibilities:

- Meet and support vulnerable adults to help them speak up for themselves or to speak up on their behalf during meetings.

- To help individuals to make informed and realistic choices, liaising with key people in their life; family, social workers, health professionals and carers.

- Signpost and support people to obtain support and advice from appropriate agencies and services.

- Raising awareness: Educate clients, professionals, statutory and non statutory agencies about advocacy services and how individuals can be referred to Advocacy 1st and can benefit from advocacy support.

LOCATION OF WORK Working across Luton Borough, Community Connex - Advocacy 1st offer support to people with meetings in Luton.

TIME COMMITMENT The average partnership would normally benefit from a commitment of approximately 10-12 hours a month, with opportunities at a time that is suitable both to the volunteer and the client.

There may be occasions when the volunteer might be asked to attend a meeting with or on behalf of the individual they are supporting.

EXPENSES All travel costs (including parking) would be reimbursed.