Role Description: BAME (PGM) Advocate Volunteer
- Are you passionate about ensuring people with diverse needs from marginalised communities are treated fairly and with respect when accessing health services?
- Would you like to empower vulnerable members of society and to give a voice to those who may otherwise struggle to be heard?
- Would you like to gain experience in the health and social care sector?
About the Role: Following training as a BAME advocate for ASIST you will support individuals who have a learning disability, physical disabilities and/or mental health needs to improve engagement, choice and employment opportunities, enabling people to make informed choices and/or decisions relevant to their treatment and ongoing health care.
Advocacy relationships can be short to medium term. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. Previous convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Meet in person with your advocacy partner to ascertain their views and wishes.
- To provide culturally sensitive one-to-one advocacy for people over 18 from ‘BAME’ communities who have a learning disability, physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.
- To work with individuals to improve engagement, choice and employment opportunities to enable people to make informed choices and/or decisions relevant to their treatment and ongoing health care.
- Provide enhanced engagement with hard-to-reach groups within the community, which will enable early intervention and access to preventive and support services to prevent people from reaching crisis point.
- Attend training, supervision and support sessions as required.
- Maintain accurate records of visits and report any concerns or issues to the Volunteer Coordinator in a timely manner.
- Represent ASIST positively at all times and maintain confidentiality and professionalism in your role.
- Act in accordance with the ASIST policies and procedures and adhere to all relevant safeguarding and child protection legislation.
- Being a driver and having business insurance would be useful, however the use of public transport can be considered.
Skills and Experience:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with people.
- Being able to adapt communication to meet the needs of the person.
- Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage your time effectively and keep accurate records.
- Ability to understand legislation relevant to the person’s support.
- A commitment to the welfare and protection of vulnerable people, and a willingness to undergo appropriate training and supervision.
- Previous experience of working within health and social care is desirable, but not essential.
- A good standard of written English is essential.
- Ability to speak, read and write a second language would be desirable but not essential.
Benefits:
- The opportunity to empower vulnerable persons from varying ethnicities to access their local health care services.
- The chance to develop your skills and gain experience working with people who may be vulnerable and need additional assistance to have their concerns listened to.
- Training, Safeguarding, GDPR and Data Protection, legislation affecting vulnerable adults with continual support and supervision from ASIST staff team.
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred as part of the role.
- Asist will provide a reference for future employment after 6 months.
- Depending on your commitment, volunteers may be offered the opportunity to undertake the National Advocacy Qualification.
- Opportunities to apply for paid employment at ASIST with the guarantee of an interview as an internal applicant.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the life of vulnerable people who require support to have their voice heard. If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable people and have the necessary skills and qualities for the role, we would love to hear from you.
