Post of Advocate/Development Worker (Midlothian)



Post of Advocate (older people & ADULTS SURVIVing Stroke)Job DescriptionJob Title:Independent Professional AdvocateEmployer:EARS Independent Advocacy Service (SCIO)Place of Work:The EARS (West Lothian) Based in Livingston. (Or any other office/clinic which is leased, rented or run by/for EARS in Lothian).Purpose of the post:Providing independent advocacy to older people in the community or residential and hospital care settings and adult Stroke survivors, who are resident within West Lothian. Length of Post:This post is initially funded to March 2022 - the post may also be subject to extension, depending upon continued funding for both the Older People and Stroke services.MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE POST:To provide a free and confidential independent advocacy service to those people, within your remit, who are referred to, or request the service, by; providing support to those wishing to represent themselves or, where appropriate, representation of that person where they are unable to represent themselvesTo continue to develop the West Lothian advocacy services for those specified service users fitting the following criteria:Older people who:live in the community,are living in, or are considering moving into, long-term care,are hospitalised and/or in a delayed discharge/’step-down’ situation,have a right to access independent advocacy under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, orare subject to/at risk of abuse.Adults (16+) who, having had a Stroke:have been admitted onto St John’s Hospital’s Acute Stroke Unit (ASU), in a Lothian Rehab Stroke Unit (RSU), or being rehabilitated in the community,have a right to access independent advocacy under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 or the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007,are subject to/at risk of abuse, and/or are resident in West Lothian.To work and liaise with local/West Lothian professionals and key workers (e.g. medical staff, social workers, care providers), professional bodies, organisations, agencies and networks to ensure that the service, and its work, is brought to the notice of all potential service-users.To develop and provide information, educational and promotional sessions and materials to professionals and community groups within West Lothian to ensure improved access to the service.To keep up to date with the patient’s rights, vulnerable adults, mental health and adults with incapacity legislation, recommendations and guidance.To keep and maintain a diary of work and recordings of all interventions and contacts.To work alongside the Edinburgh based EARS Stroke post, to maximise the benefits of the service.Any other duties concomitant with or appropriate to the post and as directed by the CEO or Board of Trustees.PRINCIPAL TASKSProvision of AdvocacyOlder people:To seek out those older people in West Lothian who require, or would benefit from, an independent advocacy service.To provide advocacy/representation for those older people whom, due to their circumstances, require either advocacy/representation or support in advocating on their own behalf/representing themselves.Ensure priority is given to; those older people who have a right to access advocacy under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and those who are subject to/at risk of abuse.When and where necessary, signposting users and/or their carers to other services providing advice and support, e.g. carers support services.Adults (16+) surviving a Stroke:To seek out and provide independent advocacy to adults surviving a Stroke (admitted to St. John’s Hospital’s Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) or rehabilitating in the community) and due to their circumstances, require or would benefit from independent advocate/ representation or support in advocating on their own behalf/representing themselves. Enable those who are referred to the service, or who self-refer, to communicate effectively with services involved in their stroke care and recovery.Use up to date technologies/methodologies to enhance communication.Provide accurate and up to date information to enable service users to make informed choices and decisions about their care, welfare and recovery. Support and enable users to access those services that will benefit their recovery and rehabilitation. If required, provide advocacy in legal and court settings on matters relating to their individual rights.Provide advocacy in all other appropriate settings, When and where necessary, signposting users and/or their carers to other services providing advice and support, e.g. carers support services; the Stroke Association, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, the local Community Stroke Services. Service DevelopmentTo investigate and put into action strategies for the continued development and provision of this service in West Lothian, thus enabling access to the service, by the provision of education and/or information about advocacy for professionals and potential service-users.To develop and maintain effective liaison with key professionals –including; social workers, health care staff, mental health officers, key workers, appropriate organisations and other care workers/managers (e.g. supported living and continuing care services).AdministrationTo keep and maintain a record of all work time, activities and advocacy interventions and related issues. To provide statistics and information about the work undertaken and to provide quarterly and other regular written reports – when and where required – that are relevant and of value to the internal and external evaluation of the service.Decisions to be made in the course of the workThe post holder will have responsibility for making decisions on:How their remit is undertaken to maximise the benefit of the post to those for whom it is intended/provided.Day to day self-management and management of personal work/duties.HOURS OF WORK28 hours per week. (Split into 17.5 hrs older people/10.5 hrs Stroke – this split is for guidance only and these hours may be renegotiated by the post holder’s supervisor/EARS management based upon service need).LINE MANAGEMENTThe post holder will be managed and supervised by the CEO or a designated member of staff or a member of the Board of Trustees.PAID ANNUAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENT38 days per year annual leave (pro-rata) - this is inclusive of all public holidays.PENSION ARRANGEMENTSEARS currently operates a compulsory Workplace Pension Scheme – details available upon offer of the post. CONDITIONS OF SERVICEThese will be outlined to the successful candidate upon offer of the post.SALARYThe post has a salary of ?23,000.00 (?18,400.00 pro-rata), non negotiable. The post is funded to March 2022. INDUCTION/PROBATIONARY PERIOD & REVIEW DATESThere will be an induction/probationary period of six months followed by a performance review – subject to the result of performance review this period could be extended. A review of the Job Description will take place at the post holder’s first Appraisal and after confirmed funding. ................
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