Role Description: Children and Young People Advocate

1. Are you passionate about ensuring children and young people are treated fairly and with respect?
2. Could you support children and young people who are subject to care and/or with support needs to voice their feelings, thoughts and wishes?
3. Would you like to gain experience in the health and social care sector?

About the Role: Following training as a Volunteer Children and Young Person’s Advocate for ASIST you will support children or young people who are subject to child in need or child protection processes, have disabilities, special educational needs or who are care leavers. You will build a relationship with them, liaise with professionals, attend meetings and ensure their views and wishes are voiced and taken into consideration.

A Children and Young Person’s Advocacy case may be medium to long-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 when needed with your Advocate Partner.
• Actively engage with them and listen to their feelings, thoughts and wishes.
• Liaise with professionals and attend meetings about the processes the child or young person is subject to.
• Support your Advocate Partner to understand the processes they are going through and their rights.
• Attend training, supervision and support sessions as required.
• Maintain accurate records of visits and report any concerns or issues to a manager 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.
• Being able to adapt communication to meet the needs of your Advocate Partner.
• 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 care.
• A commitment to the welfare and protection of children and young people, and a willingness to undergo appropriate training and supervision.
• Previous experience of working with children and young people is desirable, but not essential.
• A good standard of written English is essential.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a vulnerable person.
• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience working with vulnerable adults in the care sector.
• Training, (safeguarding, GDPR and Data Protection, Suicide Prevention, Prevent, Watching Brief, Legislative training) shadowing opportunities, support and supervision from the ASIST staff team.
• Depending on your commitment, volunteers may be offered the opportunity to undertake the National Advocacy Qualification.
• ASIST will provide a reference after 6 months.
• Opportunities to apply for paid employment at ASIST with the guarantee of an interview as an internal applicant.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred as part of the role.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and have the necessary skills and qualities for the role, we would love to hear from you!