Volunteer Advocate

Role: Volunteer Advocate

Project: Bridging the Gap

Supervisor: Tanya Godly-Kelly

Location: Taunton

Hours/Days Available:

We ask volunteer advocates to be as flexible as possible, but we’d like volunteers to be available usually during the day for approximately 6 hours a week, by arrangement to work with clients, and attend training and supervision. Preferred days are Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

Main Purpose of Role:

The main purpose of the project is to support and provide advocacy for tenants of Somerset Council in the Taunton area that have mental health/wellbeing concerns.

Key Tasks:

·       Empower clients to make effective choices about their life and to ensure that they are accorded the same respect, dignity and consideration that all members of society can expect

·       Explore client’s concerns, identify options, listen supportively, and offer the opportunity to decide how any actions should be carried out

·       Attend meetings and appointments as moral support or to speak out for the clients depending on their wishes

·       Take notes, write emails, make phone calls, find information and refer people on to appropriate agencies

·       Make clear, concise and factual records of each client and professional contact 

·       Participate in the supervision and training offered by Mind in Somerset

·       Not knowingly place yourself in any situation that may compromise your personal safety

·       To attend the organisational update meeting

·       Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own safety and that of colleagues

·       To adhere to all volunteer policies of the organisation

·       There may be other duties required of our volunteers from time to time.  

Person Specification:

Essential:

·       Positive team-working skills.

·       Demonstrable IT knowledge (using Microsoft Packages).

·       Willingness to learn and extend knowledge.

·       Understanding the importance of good record keeping and GDPR.

·       Good communication skills.

·       A positive attitude and willingness to help.

·       Compassionate and empathetic nature

·       Ability to work well as part of a team.

Desirable:

·       Experience working with clients with poor mental health in an advocacy role.

·       Lived experience of mental health or knowledge of mental health illness.

Values:

Mind in Somerset have the expectation that all who Volunteer for us always live our organisation's values at all times. We ask that you be:

·       Collaborative – work better together

·       Respectful – treat people how we like to be treated

·       Accountable – are responsible for own actions

·       Inclusive – respect everyone’s uniqueness

·       Compassionate – empathise, care and support

Equal Opportunities: 

Mind in Somerset is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination, direct or indirect. All employees and volunteers are expected to promote and work fully in line with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy. Mind in Somerset is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applications from disabled people. If disabled applicants meet the minimum criteria for the job, they can request and will be offered a guaranteed interview. Should applicants require reasonable adjustment support for the interview/Volunteer meeting, please contact Mind in Somerset.

Criminal Record:

Due to the safeguarding nature of our work, the successful candidate/volunteer may need to complete a fully funded disclosure and barring check (DBS) prior to starting with us. A criminal record will not automatically mean withdrawal of an offer, however, to safeguard our staff, volunteers and clients, further discussion or investigation may be required so that an informed decision can be made as to your suitability to work with vulnerable people to ensure that we are not putting service users at risk. For volunteers there are occasions when a DBS will not be required; however, a risk assessment will be conducted and the form completed and placed within the Volunteer’s electronic file.

All new volunteers will be required to complete 5 essential online training courses as part of their induction into the Charity. Dependant on the type of volunteer role undertaken, additional training may be also required to meet service expectations.