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SEAS Advocate South East Autism Support Programme Kent and Medway Job Description SEAS Advocate Post: Reporting to: SEAS Programme Manager Hours: Area: Location: 37 hours per week Kent Hybrid (Some home-working with travel across Kent and Medway) Home £26,955.24 per annum Office-Base: Salary: Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, with possibility of extension. Are you compassionate, organised, and looking to make a real difference in people’s lives? Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? This is an exciting opportunity to work in the innovative SEAS team delivering both one-to-one and group support for autistic adults as part of the South East Autism Support (SEAS) Programme in Kent. You will support individuals through self-advocacy sessions and regular peer support groups, both online and in-person. You will manage your own caseload, collaborate with local organisations, and help grow the service in response to member needs. About the SEAS Programme The SEAS Programme is built on the principles of self-advocacy. We create safe, supportive spaces where people can share experiences, build social connections and build confidence. The programme is currently made up of two projects: All Together Autistic and the Touch Base Project. All Together Autistic (ATA) ATA offers a range of in-person groups across Kent and Medway, as well as a large variety of online groups. The exact nature of each area’s groups is planned with local Advocacy for All is an Independent Advocacy Organisation Registered Charity No.: 1064885 AfA - SEAS Programme – SEAS Advocate – JD and Person Spec. v.2 members and groups include; walks, art and creative, active events and are always building. The Touch Base Project (TB) TB offers 6 weeks of one-to-one self-advocacy for Members who are struggling with their mental health and feel that they need additional support. We work with Members to develop SMART goals and to build confidence to achieve these targets. Together we aim to help members make lasting change happen for themselves. Main Duties and Responsibilities As a SEAS Advocate, your role will be varied and people-focused. While no two days are the same, your responsibilities will broadly fall into the following areas: Group Facilitation and Community Building • Lead and grow the All Together Autistic peer support groups in your assigned region. • Manage group logistics, including venue bookings, communication with Members, and welcoming new participants. • Promote inclusive, safe, and engaging group environments shaped by Member interests and needs. One-to-One Self Advocacy Facilitation • Maintain a caseload of Touch Base interventions: offering 6 weeks of goal- focussed work. • Deliver sessions both remotely (via Zoom) or in-person. • Work with members to discuss their options, set targets, and build confidence in navigating services or systems. Teamwork and Organisation • Attend regular team meetings, supervisions, and training sessions. • Cover groups or individual sessions for colleagues when needed. • Work in line with Advocacy for All’s policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and equal opportunities. • Travel across Kent and Medway as required, occasionally at short notice. • Work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends, to meet project needs. Person Specification Suitability for the role will be assessed through C.V., cover letter, and at interview against the following criteria: 2 AfA - SEAS Programme – SEAS Advocate – JD and Person Spec. v.2 Essential Requirements Desirable Requirements Qualifications and Training • Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development • A full, clean UK driving licence and insurance covering business use Knowledge and Experience • Experience working with autistic adults in a professional context • Awareness of data protection, GDPR, and information sharing responsibilities • Awareness and commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice • Awareness of adult safeguarding procedures • Experience of working independently or in a lone-working context Skills and Abilities • Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with autistic adults • A person-centred, non-judgemental approach • Strong initiative and problem-solving skills • Confident using online platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Discord • Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends • Ability to travel freely across Kent and Medway • Commitment to representing Advocacy for All’s values and promoting its work Communication and Engagement • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to respond to enquiries in a professional and approachable manner • Familiarity with online communication tools and virtual group facilitation • Commitment to innovation and exploring new technologies to engage Members • Understanding of how to use social media and digital tools to promote community engagement Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship or assist with visa applications. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 3 AfA - SEAS Programme – SEAS Advocate – JD and Person Spec. v.2 To apply, please send your C.V. and a cover letter to Recruitment@advocacyforall.org.uk Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 18th May. Please indicate any problems with availability or requests for reasonable adjustments in your application email and/or cover letter. 4