Independent Advocate

Independent AdvocateVacancy Information Packwww.empowermentcharity.org.ukRegistered Charity Number: 1155897We are an innovative charity based in Blackpool,who have made a long term commitment tosupporting our local communities and improvinglives.We are committed to empowering the communityto have their voices heard and are proud of thefact that we make everyone welcome no matterwho you are or your background.Our Values of Kindness, Justice, Equality andBeing Human underpin everything we do and it isour hope that you personally experience all ofthese values if you choose to join our wonderfulteam.Who are Empowerment?AdvocateCo-produceChallenge Domestic Abuse and all of itsconsequencesTackle Social Isolation and LonelinessRecognise the Uniqueness and Potential ofeveryoneOur Mission is to;Together we will bring about Lived Experienceinspired change in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.About the teamThe Blackpool Advocacy Hub is lead by Sam Harrisonand offers the following strands of advocacy; IMCAIMHARPRCare ActChildren and Young PeopleHealth ComplaintsThe team offer free, independent, support to localadults, children, and young people.  Our role is to support and empower individuals to havetheir voice heard whilst navigating health and socialcare issues.Our advocates help people understand their rights,access appropriate care, and make informed decisions. We play a crucial role in helping people live the lives they want to live.Role PurposeTo provide high quality advocacy support tovery vulnerable adults living in Blackpool whorequire specialist advocacy support.Our Diversity CommitmentAs users of the Disability ConfidentScheme we guarantee to interview alldisabled applicants who meet theminimum criteria for this vacancy. If yourequire additional support during theapplication process, please get in touch.We encourage applicants fromunderrepresented backgrounds,including those from the Black, Asianand Ethnic Minority Community, the LGBTcommunity, our armed forces veteransand people with a lived experience ofmultiple disadvantage.DBSThis position is subject to anenhanced DBS clearance. Having acriminal record will not necessarilybar you from working with us. Thisdepends on the nature of the positionand the circumstances andbackground of your offences.Empowerment will process and coverthe cost of this check.To view our privacy policy please click here.Working for EmpowermentDeliver statutory advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act,Mental Health Act, Care Act, DoLS, and NHS Complaintsprocedures.Support people to understand their rights, express their views,and participate in decision-making.Represent the wishes and perspectives of individuals whenthey cannot advocate for themselves.Build strong, trusting relationships with adults across a widerange of settings (e.g., hospitals, care homes, community).Provide information in clear and accessible ways, adapting topeople’s communication needs.Maintain accurate and timely case records, respectingconfidentiality and data protection requirements.Work collaboratively with professionals, while alwaysprioritising the voice and rights of the person.Promote the service and contribute to developing a strong,positive advocacy presence in the community.Safeguard the people with supportMain ResponsibilitiesAbout YouWe are looking for someone who is:Passionate about rights, fairness, and social justice.A skilled communicator who can adapt to a wide range ofneeds, abilities, and backgrounds.Compassionate and resilient, with the ability to support peoplethrough complex or challenging situations.Organised, reliable, and able to manage a diverse caseloadeffectively.Driven by values of independence, dignity, and respect.Please note: Empowerment exists to respond to the needsof individuals, so many of the tasks and responsibilitiesare unpredictable and varied. It is therefore expected thatall staff will work in a flexible manner when required,undertaking tasks that have not been specifically coveredin their job description. The post holder may reasonably beexpected to undertake other duties commensurate withthe level of responsibility. It is the responsibility of the postholder to comply with Health and Safety and EqualOpportunities at all times.What we offerA supportive, passionate, and values-driven team culture.Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing professionaldevelopment.Regular supervision and opportunities for peer reflection.A workplace that values wellbeing and resilience.The chance to make a direct, positive difference in the lives ofadults who need advocacy.This is more than a role – it’s an opportunity to champion people’srights, amplify their voices, and be part of a dynamic team that isstronger together.The Person SpecificationAt Empowerment we firmly believe in treating everyone with fairness, respect, and equal consideration, irrespective of theirpersonal characteristics. We are committed to upholding a culture ofinclusivity and diversity valuing the unique perspectives and talentsthat each individual brings. At Empowerment we are actively seekingindividuals who possess a strong foundation in the desired skills andqualifications for a specific job role. While meeting all the criteria iscertainly advantageous, we also recognise the value of diverseperspectives and are open to considering candidates whodemonstrate potential and a genuine passion to learn and grow inthe role. We believe in providing opportunities for individuals to thrive,and we encourage all motivated candidates to apply, regardless ofwhether they meet every single requirement. Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesPassion for Empowerment & Advocacy – genuine commitment toamplifying people’s voices and promoting independence.Excellent Communication – confident in both written and verbalcommunication, able to produce clear and impactful reports, andabove all, an active and empathetic listener.Strong Legal Awareness – understanding of the Mental CapacityAct, Data Protection, Human Rights Act, safeguarding procedures,and other relevant legislation, with the ability to apply these in aperson-centred way.Collaborative Spirit – eager to work in partnership with carers,professionals, and volunteers, recognising the value that everyperson brings.Reflective & Growth-Oriented – open tofeedback, able to reflect on practice, andcommitted to continuous learning andimprovement.Empathy & Diplomacy – able to build trust and relationships withpeople in challenging circumstances, demonstrating kindness,fairness, and professionalism.Independent & Self-Motivated – capable of managing your ownworkload, prioritising effectively, and making decisions withconfidence.Team Player – thrives in a supportive, close-knit team environment,contributing to a positive, dynamic, and resilient workplace culture.Strong Interpersonal Skills – able to negotiate, influence, and workwith sensitivity and respect for the people we serve.Organised & Adaptable – skilled at managing time effectively, whilestaying flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the role.ExperienceSupporting Vulnerable People – proven experience working directlywith individuals such as people with mental health needs, learningdisabilities, or other complex circumstances, with a focus onempowerment and respect.Protecting Trust & Confidentiality – experience of working withsensitive information responsibly and maintaining the higheststandards of professionalism and integrity.Advocacy & Rights-Based Practice – knowledge or hands-onexperience of delivering advocacy within the frameworks of theCare Act 2014, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS),Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), and IndependentMental Health Advocacy (IMHA).Practical Application of Legislation – ability to translate legalframeworks into real-world advocacy that makes a positivedifference to people’s lives.Personal QualitiesEnthusiastic & Motivated – brings energy, positivity, and a can-do attitude to the role.Rights-Focused – a strong belief in the rights of the people wesupport, with a genuine commitment to inclusion, equality, andanti-discriminatory practice.Compassionate & Respectful – approaches every person withkindness, empathy, and a non-judgemental mindset.Flexible & Adaptable – able to adjust to changing needs andcircumstances while keeping people at the heart of decisions.Honest & Trustworthy – demonstrates integrity in every action,ensuring people feel safe and supported.Reliable & Professional – consistently delivers oncommitments, with dependable attendance and attention todetail.Aligned with Our Values – committed to living and promotingthe organisation’s vision, mission, and values in everydaypractice.Special RequirementsAbility to Travel – A full driving licence and access to a car isrequired. Where a disability makes this not possible, we willwork with you to agree reasonable alternative arrangementsfor travel.Flexibility – Willingness to travel across the Lancashire area aspart of delivering the role.Enhanced Safeguarding Checks – This role requires anenhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, whichwill be funded by the organisation.Good luck with your application. If you have any questions regarding your application, pleasereach out to; admin@empowermentcharity.org.uk. To learn more about us, visit;www.empowermentcharity.org.uk