Job Description

Autism and Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) is seeking a passionate and driven Advocacy and Participation Worker to join our team. This vital role is supported by funding from the Aberdeenshire Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund Round 3 and is critical to providing advocacy for individuals, parents, carers, and groups within the neurodiverse community in both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

The Advocacy & Participation Worker will play a key role in delivering individual advocacy, as well as group and collective advocacy and participation activities for A-ND. This position is fundamental in influencing and enacting positive change at both local and national levels for the neurodiverse community.

The Advocacy and Participation Worker will work directly with autistic and neurodiverse individuals of all ages, their family members, parents and carers, listening to what they say and supporting them to ensure their voices are truly heard regrading decisions about their lives.

The Advocacy and Participation Worker will also facilitate a wide range of participatory and engagement opportunities, creating the right conditions for collective advocacy and meaningful participation with A-ND. This means bringing neurodiverse people and their loved ones together, supporting the development of confidence, a sense of belonging and connection to identify common issues they face, with the aim of influencing and creating positive change for the neurodiverse community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy: Provide high-quality independent advocacy, facilitating group and collective advocacy where necessary.

Participation: Provide and facilitate engagement, participation and consultation opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, as well as their parents and carers and wider networks, as part of A-ND's local and national work.

Recording and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of advocacy interactions. Prepare regular reports, monitoring, and evaluation documents to support the advocacy process.

Collaboration and Influence: Work closely with local and national partners to advocate for and support the neurodiverse community. Aim to influence policies and practices to create positive change.

Self-Management: While the role involves significant independent work, collaboration with the wider A-ND team is essential.

Travel: Regular travel throughout Aberdeenshire is required to meet the needs of the role.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications: We welcome knowledge of advocacy gathered through any relevant qualifications, as well as work and lived experience.

Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of independent advocacy and its principles, together with current developments, policy and practice in relation to the neurodiversity and social care in Scotland.

Experience in Advocacy: Proven track record of effective advocacy, particularly within the neurodiverse community.

Experience of delivering training and engaging with a variety of audiences would be advantageous.

CPD: Demonstrable continuing professional development in relevant areas.

Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals and groups.

Organisational Skills: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

Record Keeping: Competence in accurate record-keeping and the ability to produce detailed reports, evidencing impact.

Driving: A valid driver's license and access to own car is preferable due to the travel requirements of the role.

A-ND believes on recruiting based on values, competency, and behaviours. Based on theory, A-ND uses the Four Stages of Contribution Model Assessment (Drs, Gene Dalton & Paul Thomson) Korn-Ferry-Institute-The-Four-Stages.pdf (kornferry.com)

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 26,380.00-28,507.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/06/2025