Job Description

West Berkshire Mencap continue to expand their Family Advisor Service / Advocacy Service and are looking for Team Members who are motivated to support individuals and their families to get the best possible outcomes for our clients who have additional needs.

You will be working with people with a learning disability and their parents/ carers and families to help them access the services and support that they are entitled to.

This could include benefit applications, respite care, transport, social and leisure opportunities, transition, moving out of home and finding suitable employment.

Our Family Advisors also provide Advocacy which will include working alongside our Colleagues in the Local Authority and legal teams. You will be providing support to clients in statutory and non-statutory meetings including Court Hearings.

As Advocates and Family Advisors we work in partnership with our clients to ensure they are able to express their wishes and feelings, protect their rights, access the services they need and access a full and meaningful life.

To offer a successful service you will need to be confident, have a positive outlook along with a flexible approach, good time management and the ability to work independently.

You will also need to be a good listener, flexible, have a willingness to learn, keen to develop the role and idealy have expereience supporting clients with additional needs.

The service predominantly operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm but flexibility is a must to ensure attendance at meetings with families, Social Work Teams and Legal Representatives along with holding group sessions in our Adult Day Services and in the Community.

The post offers a challenge but is extremely rewarding.

You will be required to drive in the course of your role and therefore a car with business insurance is a must.

Provide support and guidance to service users and their families:

Provide an advocacy service for parents with learning disabilities Signpost parents/carers and service users to appropriate services, including respite, education/training/ leisure etc. Provide information and support on welfare benefits Work closely with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure clients receive personalised support When requested to provide support to adults with a learning disability and their parents and family carers during the assessment/review process. Liaise with West Berkshire Council to identify service users and their parents and family carers ahead of the change from education services to adult services, providing support when requested, to smooth the process of transition. Liaise with West Berkshire Council to identify service users and their parents and family carers ahead of a life change experience e.g. independent/ supported living, respite/short term care provision etc, providing support when requested, to smooth the process of change. Support Parents and Carers to gain the support that they require for their needs. Give advice and guidance to Parents/ Carers about various services that could be available to them. Advocate in meetings for Parents/ Carers or provide them with the skills to empower them in advocating for themselves. Give Parents/ Carers advice, guidance and support to apply for the correct benefits. Work closely with other professionals, who are involved with Parents and Carers to ensure joint working takes place. Empower Parents/ Carers to attend health reviews and appointment and to speak open and honestly about issues and progress. Attend health reviews and appointments at the request of Parents/ Carers. Work closely with Health Professionals to ensure the best outcome for the individual with a Learning Disability is met and Parents/ Carers fully understand.
Job Types: Part-time, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract

Pay: 14.21 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Store discount Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Experience:

supporting people with additional needs: 1 year (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

DBS (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Newbury RG14 6AT (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newbury RG14 6AT

Application deadline: 02/09/2024
Reference ID: FAS0824