Job Description

Role:

Independent 'Professional' Advocate

Salary: 27,514 per annum pro rata

Hours: 14 hours per week

Length of Contract: Fixed Team contract until 31 March 2026, pending a further extension

Location: Carmarthenshire

Independent 'Professional' Advocate - as part of the 3 County Independent Advocacy Service 3CIPA. This role provides independent advocacy support to empower unpaid carers and vulnerable adults to express their views, secure their rights, and actively participate in decisions affecting their lives.

We value diversity in our workforce, and we encourage applications from all sectors of the community. Applicants must be willing to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Deadline for applications is

9.00am on Monday 11th August 2025

. Interviews

Thursday 21st August

.

Important:

We are unable to accept CVs for this role. For an application pack and a detailed information about the role, visit our website at

www.ctcww.org.uk/working-for-us

For more information, contact us:

Email: hrenquiries@ctcww.org.uk
Tel: 0300 0200 002

Main aims of the post

This post will involve the provision of statutory Independent Professional Advocacy Services as defined under the Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act as part of the 3 County Independent Professional Advocacy Service (3CIPA). 3CIPA is a collaboratively delivered service working in partnership with four organisations across West Wales.

Advocacy support will enable vulnerable individuals to express their views, secure their rights and access essential information and services. Crucially, advocacy support will enable the individual to participate in, and have a voice, choice and control in decisions that affect them, particularly where the individual's ability to communicate is limited for any reason.

This role will primarily work with unpaid carers, however it could also include working with adults with physical disabilities and sensory impairment, and older people in a variety of settings, including; client homes, hospitals, residential care homes. A professional, client focused attitude is essential.

Scope and accountability

The post holder will:

Be supported by the Carers Support Services & Development Manager Have a role in identifying individuals who may require Independent Professional Advocacy Work closely with the wider 3CIPA team, particularly the service lead to ensure smooth and timely advocacy provision is accessible to individuals meeting the criteria for Independent Professional Advocacy Travel expected throughout the county, with some out-of-county travel required, including to face to face appointments with clients of the service. Hybrid office/home based working otherwise Participate in the Three Counties Advocacy Network

Duties to include

Advocacy

To provide confidential one to one advocacy, including to undertake the statutory advocacy role as set out in legislation, complying with systems for:
Referral - Prioritisation and Case load management including the maintenance of accurate records
Monitoring and reviewing service provision that include quarterly and annual reports
Quality assurance and complaints

To work within the principles of advocacy good practice and the Advocacy Charter To ensure that people using the service are able to assert their rights and are supported to self-advocate whenever possible. Encourage individuals to explore their potential to the fullest, push boundaries and safely manage risks to maintain or regain increased control over their daily lives To liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with people accessing social care services, a range of health and social care professionals and family members. To support individuals and/or provide representation for individuals at key meetings such as assessment, care planning, MDT, CHC/DST, Safeguarding, etc. To signpost and refer on people for issues that do not fall within the scope of the advocacy role. To prioritise work to meet the needs of clients and decision makers. To implement work to promote equal opportunities in the services. To keep up to date with policy and legal changes relating to the services. To work within and comply with the contractual remit of the service, code of conduct, and Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales and 3 CIPA policies.

Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation

To record and update client records in a timely manner in accordance with 3CIPA requirements and in compliance with the Data Protection Act. To ensure the requirements for internal and external monitoring and evaluation are met. To maintain accurate records and administration systems and contribute to the efficient running of the service. To record inputs, outputs and outcomes in accordance with 3CIPA procedures. To identify issues of importance raised by individuals using the service from their views and experiences and promote these through relevant means e.g. service user groups, planning meetings etc. To actively participate in and contribute to team meetings, supervision sessions and staff appraisals as arranged.

Accountability

To seek guidance and support from management staff when needed. To record movements in outlook calendar and provide relevant information to Service Managers as requested. To work closely with the client in accordance with the Advocacy Code of Practice and Advocacy Charter and any other agency procedures.

Working with others

To attend team meetings & planning meetings with colleagues. To liaise with service providers, relatives and others engaged with/working with service users as part of the advocacy role. To develop positive, professional working relationships with other agencies and with referrers.

Project Development

To work with the service manager and assist in achieving the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark To publicise and promote the work of the organisation and the development of advocacy, including innovative models of advocacy. To undertake training as necessary including accredited training in order to provide independent advocacy. To take responsibility for own development including completion of the Independent Advocacy Qualification to Diploma Level within the first 18-24 months of commencing employment

General

To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. To work at all times within the philosophy and policies of Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales. To comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and with Crossroads Care policy, paying particular attention to the reporting of dangerous situations. To have a commitment to developing quality by the implementation the quality evaluation tools along with any other standards set by Carers Trust and 3CIPA. To respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs, ensuring equal opportunity principles are applied at all times. To comply with the staff Code of Conduct. To undertake any other duties that may be considered commensurate with the level of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience - Essential

Experience of establishing and maintaining constructive, professional relationships with a wide range of people including Carers, family members, colleagues, hospital staff and individual service users Experience of supporting individuals in relation to assessment of needs and accessing appropriate services Experience of speaking for or negotiating on someone's behalf (this could be in an informal setting) Experience of working within a person-centred manner establishing 'what matters to me' Experience of working within an equal partnership with an individual to establish, monitor and achieve client focused outcomes Using this approach, promoting individual's rights, choice, independence and wellbeing

Experience - Desirable

Experience of providing either informal or formal advocacy Experience of attending multi- disciplinary meetings Experience of supporting individuals through the safeguarding process Experience of raising both informal and formal complaints Experience of undertaking risk assessments and supporting positive risk management

Skills and abilities

-

Essential

Ability to practice safely and establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries. Ability to work positively with other agencies and develop strong partnership relationships with a wide range of people including individual partner providers in external agencies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to negotiate and influence others to achieve agreed outcomes Excellent time management skills with ability to prioritise workload and multi-task. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Can work independently and take initiative. Is a flexible team player, valuing the strength of team members and its collective achievement Must be able to keep accurate and readable Carer and service administration records. Good IT skills and ability to use a range of Microsoft packages Able to work flexibly with occasionalout of hours session i.e. weekends, evenings. Must be car owner with full license and access to own car for travel for work purposes.

Skills and abilities

-

Desirable

Welsh language skills desirable.

Knowledge - Essential

An understanding of the health and social care system and pathway to services A good understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and related legislation. A clear understanding of the role of an independent advocate and the Advocacy Charter Knowledge of both statutory and third sector services and sources of support for individuals in the area. Understanding or experience of the complex issues surrounding a range of care and support needs, the network of community services and the need for advocacy. To understand responsibilities of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace. Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection and GDPR legislation. Must have understanding of equality issues facing people with health, care or support needs

Qualifications - Essential

A good standard of education, a professional qualification and experience of supporting vulnerable individuals in a health and social care setting.

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Independent Advocacy or a commitment to achieve this within 18 months

Qualifications - Desirable

Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 Diploma in Advice & Guidance.

Values - Essential

Those who use services being enabled to have greater opportunities to exercise their rights. This includes receiving the right care, at the right time in the right place. Promoting and exercising understanding of diversity and equality issues as barriers to social inclusion. Promoting equality and challenging inequality. To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding the need for confidentiality Promote dignity and respect. Able to demonstrate reliability and commitment. Has a positive, solution focused attitude with the ability to overcome barriers
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: 27,514.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Employee discount Free or subsidised travel Store discount
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/08/2025
Reference ID: CTCWW Independent 'Professional' Advocate 24072025