Role Description: Parental Advocate

1. Are you passionate about ensuring people are treated fairly and with respect?
2. Could you support a parent with cognitive difficulties to voice their feelings, thoughts and wishes about their children who are going through the child protection process?
3. Would you like to gain experience in the health and social care sector?

About the Role: Following training as a Volunteer Parental Advocate for ASIST you will support parents who struggle to understand and take part in the child protection process. You will build a relationship with the parent, liaise with professionals and ensure their views and wishes are voice and taken into consideration. You may support in meetings and assessments and accompany the parent during court hearings.

A Parental Advocacy case may last up to 12 months and sometimes longer. 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 about their children.
• Liaise with professionals about the processes the child or children are subject to.
• Support your Advocate Partner to understand the requirements being placed upon them as part of the child protection process.
• You may support your Advocate Partner in meetings with other professionals, during assessments and at court.
• 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 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 care.
• A commitment to the welfare and protection of vulnerable people, and a willingness to undergo appropriate training and supervision.
• Previous experience of working with vulnerable adults 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 parents with cognitive difficulties and possibly support them to retain custody of their children if appropriate. 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!