Learning Disability Advocate

Learning Disability Advocate
Bromley Touchbase Project
Innovation Fund 2026

Job Description

Learning Disability Advocate

Post:
Reporting to:  Groups Manager
Hours:              21 hours per week
Office-Base:
Salary:

Bromley/hybrid
£16,237

Contact:

Rachel.Coates@advocacyforall.org.uk

Summary

This is a pilot project, supporting adults with learning disabilities who have mental
health difficulties.  The aim is to offer support through 1-1 advocacy and small group
work, enabling people to address mental health issues at an early stage before they
get into crisis.

This role will be based within the self-advocacy team, offering 6 week blocks of 1-1
advocacy to individuals, enabling them to identify key problem areas and set
SMART goals.   The advocate will also facilitate small groups, enabling people to
learn coping strategies and well being exercises and gain a stronger support system.
The advocate will be the lead worker on this project, with support from our self
advocacy team, who will share the 1-1 and groups work.

About Advocacy for All

Advocacy for All is a locally rooted advocacy organisation with a strong history,
which exists to give people a voice through one to one advocacy and self-advocacy
groups. We believe that Bigger Voices = Better Lives.

Our approach is person-centered, empowering and rights-focussed. We place a
strong value on supporting people to be as independent as possible. We believe that
being fair, valuing diversity and involving people are extremely important.

Advocacy supports clients to express their views, assisting them in safeguarding
their rights and ensuring that those who are particularly vulnerable or excluded have
an opportunity to take forward issues which are of importance to them.

Advocacy for All is an Independent Advocacy Organisation
Registered Charity No.: 1064885

Main Duties and Responsibilities

•  To provide short term 1-1 self advocacy support to achieve positive

outcomes for those who use the service

•  Enable people to explore their thoughts and feelings, identify key problems

and work towards smart goals

•  To facilitate wellbeing and drop in groups, in person and online as required,

enabling people to learn coping strategies and wellbeing exercises.

•  Help people access community services
•  To work alongside the wider self advocacy team
•  To use own initiative to make links with local and regional organisations, in
order to promote the project and membership of our self advocacy groups

•  To support with responding to enquiries.
•  To support with the production of promotional materials for the project
•  To support with the maintenance of records, databases and files, as needed.
•  To ensure that all discussions and meetings concerning the client are

focussed on their needs and aspirations. To involve members in discussions
about their support in meaningful and appropriate ways.

•  To communicate in such a way that the individual has a clear understanding
of their rights & responsibilities, and are aware of what support is right for
them.

•  To work with each person / group identified who requires support to meet his
or her individual needs. Support all individuals in a way that promotes dignity
and respect.

•  To empower individuals to challenge situations where they are not being

offered adequate support, in order to foster independence and self-
management in their ongoing mental health journey.

•  To travel within the Sutton borough, as the needs of project dictate.
•  To support the ongoing development of the projects, as an experienced

member of the team.

•  To have an overview of the self advocacy projects in the borough
•  To work in line with Advocacy for All’s policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements
Desirable Requirements

Education and Training

•  A good standard of education to at least NVQ Level 3/A-level, or equivalent.
•  A willingness to undertake training and continuing development.
•  Formal advocacy-related qualification or training.
•  Learning disability-related qualification or training.

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Knowledge and Experience
•  At least 1 year’s experience of working with learning disabled adults in a professional

context.

•  Experience of supporting people with mental health difficulties
•  Experience of advocacy in a professional context.
•  An awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities and autism, including

what reasonable adjustments might need to be made in the workplace.

•  Experience of using outcomes frameworks to measure progress
•  An awareness of the importance of data protection and GDPR.
•  An awareness (and a commitment to) the importance of equal opportunities.
•  An awareness of adult safeguarding.
•  Experience of working in an office environment and experience of home working.
•  Experience of developing and maintaining effective administrative systems.
•  Experience of creating promotional material.

Ability

•  To independently manage a caseload - working with learning disabled adults using
self-advocacy, in order to identify and make changes which will support their overall
mental health and wellbeing.

•  To recognise the importance of professional boundaries and clear guidance.
•  To multi-task, manage own workload and meet deadlines in a busy environment

where lone working might be required.

•  To use Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
•  To network and liaise with professionals, external organisations, and members of the

public.

•  To learn new things and be adaptable to changing circumstances.
•  To work productively as part of a team and under own initiative in a lone-working

role.

•  To work flexibly and outside of office hours, as required.
•  To travel freely across the Sutton borough, preferably with a full, clean UK driving

licence and access to own vehicle.

•  To promote AfA and its values.
•  To represent AfA and the project at events.
•  To maintain and manage social media sites of various natures.
•  To produce newsletters, e-bulletins and other publicity materials to a high standard.

Communication

•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•  An ability to respond to enquiries in a professional and appropriate manner.
•  Able to keep calm under pressure and prioritise accordingly.
•  Familiarity with Zoom and online facilitation.
•  An awareness of person-centered working.
•  A commitment to innovation and a comfort with exploring new technologies.
•  An ability to network and foster collaboration with outside organisations, to further

develop the project

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