Family Advocacy Support Worker

To provide high quality support and advocacy for carers of adults and children with a learning disability and autism in Croydon, as part of Croydon Mencap’s Family Advocate Support Team.

To engage with carers by listening, not judging and helping them to identify their needs. Providing information, signposting, emotional support and supporting them to reach the best outcomes.

To act as an advocate when liaising with services for example the NHS social care, schools.

To encourage and facilitate peer support for carers of both adults and children through running group sessions, workshops and training.

Key Responsibilities

To review referrals and work with colleagues to ensure appropriate allocation of enquiries and case work.

To work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting each other and being part of peer to peer supervision.

To work strategically and positively, highlighting to social services and the NHS the needs of carers working together with key partners to make positive changes.

To actively promote our work to carers of adults and children with a learning disability and autism in Croydon who are not currently accessing or not able to access services within the borough.

To liaise directly with adult and children social care, NHS, making referrals and supporting carers to attend meetings, advocating on carers’ behalf when required.

To organise and facilitate peer support groups and sessions (Elevenses/picnics, coffee mornings) with the team.

To maintain case notes and update database following contact with carers with a view to producing information for contract monitoring reports.

To refer carers to colleagues with more specialist skills e.g. to the Family Advocate with welfare benefits knowledge or transition knowledge.

To contribute material for Croydon Mencap social media platforms and social media accounts.

To report accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns to line manager without delay.

Undertake training and attend events as agreed with the team to up-skill or reinforce your knowledge around key information and what is available for carers.

To work in accordance with Croydon Mencap policies and procedures

Qualifications

A good standard of general education including GCSE’s (or equivalent) in English & Maths

Professional qualification in a relevant subject. i.e. Health and Social Care; Advocacy; Advice and Guidance or Counselling.

Skills/competencies

Effective oral & written communication skills

Effective interpersonal skills: working with people at all levels from varied backgrounds.

Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise

Professional manner when dealing with statutory agencies and other partners.

Tolerant, approachable and flexible. Positive and confident approach to tasks.

Knowledge

Knowledge of relevant computer skills e.g. Microsoft Office

General understanding of the support needs of people with learning disabilities & the issues affecting their lives

A current and detailed knowledge of carer’s needs, the Care Act and all relevant legislation affecting carers and decision making.

An understanding of advocacy principles

A detailed and working knowledge of Adult Safeguarding policy and procedures.

Ability to create and deliver workshops relevant to parent carers/carers

Previous Experience

Previous experience of working with families of a child/adult with disabilities in a support role or Personal experience of being a parent of a child/adult with disabilities.

NOTE: This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check & to screening through the Vetting & Barring procedure

Some evening and weekend work may be required

Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 22.5 per week

Salary: £14.76 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Thornton Heath, CR7 7HU

Application deadline: 02/07/2023