Job Description

:

Our mission is to support disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages in transformational and empowering ways to live fulfilling and inclusive lives.

About the organisation:

Circles Network is a UK wide voluntary organisation renowned for building inclusive communities on the foundations of justice, advocacy, empowerment, and friendships.

Our mission is to support disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages in transformational and empowering ways to live fulfilling and inclusive lives.

Our work is organised into four key segments:

Circles Community

Circles Advocacy

Circles Equine

Circles Academy

We are dedicated and passionate individuals who are committed to delivering the highest quality support with the values of inclusion at the heart of everything we deliver.

The Values of Inclusion

All the work carried out by Circles Network is underpinned by a strongly held set of values and beliefs known as the values of inclusion. This philosophy, where all people, regardless of ability, are seen to be citizens of worth, drives us in our mission.

We believe that:

everyone has a voice and the right to be heard

all people have dreams and aspirations

all people have capabilities and qualities

all people should have power and control over what they do now and in the future

the whole community can benefit from embracing diversity

all people should have the opportunity to lead ordinary and valued lives

all people have the right to live in and be part of the community

all people need friendships and independent relationships, a natural support network

all means all

Summary:

To assist the Service Manager and colleagues by providing specific independent recovery-based Advocacy for adults experiencing difficulties relating to alcohol or drug use.

To provide direct, independent, and collective advocacy to individuals experiencing mental health differences.

To facilitate opportunities for inclusion and empowerment through advocacy to improve access to services and support for people affected by the use of alcohol or drugs.

Main duties and responsibilities:

To provide independent advocacy to individuals, in compliance with the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2015 and other relevant legislation and guidelines including the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

To maintain and operate within professional advocacy standards in accordance with advocacy guidelines and to ensure that all individuals are supported to advocate in their own right, including the safeguarding of rights relating to those individuals defined as not having capacity/insight.

To promote awareness of statutory rights and resources available to the individuals using Circles Network support.

To adopt flexible, person centred approaches to advocacy which meet the needs of each individual.

To actively seek and identify ways in which to engage particularly vulnerable and isolated individuals.

To maintain accurate and up to date records in a clear and concise manner with strict adherence to confidentiality and data protection policy.

To source and provide relevant information on a range of services the the individual may wish to access.

To contribute to the communication and planning processes within Circles Network through meetings, planning groups etc.

To organise the administration of work undertaken ensuring efficient, data compliant and accurate filing.

To ensure good time and productivity management.

To produce and contribute to written reports on work relating to the service.

Any other tasks commensurate with the work of the service in agreement with your line manager, Lead Advocate and the CEO.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Training:

Qualifications and/or training in the field of advocacy nursing, teaching, social work, social care, occupational therapy, law, psychology, or other fields related to human need preferably at a degree level or equivalent desirable.

To have the ability to travel to multiple locations.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.

Training, or a willingness to attend training, in augmented communication methods such as Talking Mats, Makaton, Board Maker.

Experience:

Lived or living experience of recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction.

An understanding of Independent Rights Based Advocacy.

Experience of supporting people with health conditions including, but not limited to disabilities, mental ill health, chronic illness, acquired brain injury, drug or alcohol issues, autism.

Experience of advocating for self or others.

Experience with handling confidential data sensitively and in line with data regulations and legislation.

Personal Attributes:

Competence

-

To have the ability to carry out your work efficiently and effectively.

Experience of producing written reports and correspondence to a high standard.

Familiarity with relevant legislation, including, but not limited to, the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act.

Ability to interpret and apply the principles of legislation to 'real life.'

Effective IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Word.

Initiative in the absence of immediate direction and support and preparation to call on assistance as required.

Demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Show effective time and stress management skills.

Demonstrate logical thinking.

Commitment

-

To show dedication and attentiveness towards those you support and the wider organisation.

Demonstrate a flexible attitude towards working hours; this may include some evenings and weekends.

Show good time management and personal management.

Demonstrate continuous drive towards personal and service improvement and growth.

A true belief in the values of inclusion and a passion to support people to uphold them.

Participate in initiatives to further develop advocacy services across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Care and Compassion

-

To understand how other people may be feeling, showing concern/interest in their issues and lives.

Demonstrate how you have taken on an advocacy role in your current work/personal life.

Demonstrate an attitude which celebrates and respects differences.

Show an understanding of the social model of disability, the values of inclusion, equal opportunities, and equality issues.

Show ability to deliver a warm, welcoming, and diplomatic approach.

The ability to actively listen & respond to people.

Communication

-

To be able to successfully share ideas, feelings, and information.

Have good spoken and written communication skills.

Possess exemplary interpersonal skills, demonstrating a diplomatic style of communication.

Demonstrate an ability to communicate with people who have difficulty expressing their views or wishes for whatever reason.

Creativity -

To use imagination and original ideas to support the development of your work.

To create accessible materials to support different communication styles and preferences.

To demonstrate an ability to develop different ways of engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, including in group settings, so they feel at ease, can share their views, and take control of their lives.

Intuition and Self Awareness -

To understand instinctively those you support and be aware of the impact you have on others.

Experience and knowledge of how to manage conflict and perceived challenging behaviour.

Show patience, tactful, diplomatic and approachability.

To stay calm in difficult situations.

Authenticity and Integrity

-

to be an honest and genuine person.

To have or be willing to undertake a Protecting Vulnerable Groups criminal records check to evidence that you are not a risk to vulnerable people.

To understand the need for clear boundaries while supporting people and demonstrate how this may be identified within your work practice.

To be critically reflective and committed to professional development, coaching and appraisal processes.

Connection

-

to show connection in your relationships.

To have a working knowledge of person-centred approaches and tools that can be used to support people.

To remain independent and as neutral as possible and work within the expressed interests of people we support.

To develop trusting relationships with everyone you work with both advocacy partners, agencies and to work positively with professionals to ensure the organisation is well represented.

Demonstrate your ability to work in a team.

To have good local knowledge of the systems and services available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and a disability confident employer.

We operate safeguarding and safer recruitment practices. If you are shortlisted for this role you will be required to fill out an application form.

PVG checks are carried out for successful candidates upon offer, this cost is covered by the organisation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 24,570.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Application question(s):

Do you have lived or living experience of drug or alcohol addiction? Do you have a full driving licence?
Work Location: In person