Advocacy Officer
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 24 Mehefin 2025 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £15,943.20 bob blwyddyn |
| Oriau: | Rhan Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 07 Gorffennaf 2025 |
| Lleoliad: | CH41 8AU |
| Gweithio o bell: | Ar y safle yn unig |
| Cwmni: | Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted |
| Math o swydd: | Dros dro |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: |
Crynodeb
Advocacy Officer
Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted have been providing services in Wirral since 1989. We provide help, support and advice to everyone with a visual impairment. We are based in Ashville Lodge in Birkenhead.
As we continue to grow, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an additional Advocacy Officer to join the team. Reporting to the Centre Supervisor, you will be responsible for working alongside your fellow Advocacy Officer in order to deliver support and advice regarding finances to clients with sight loss.
Responsibilities
- Advise clients regarding general benefits & services appropriate to their situation so that clients can make fully informed decisions about whether and when to make a claim.
- Act for client where necessary by negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.
- Assist clients with the completion of any relevant documentation e.g. benefit claim forms.
- Conduct home visits with clients when required.
- Consult with other organisations & services on behalf of clients, such as debt advice services, housing authorities or social services, making referrals as necessary.
- Maintain accurate Advocacy Service data and records to ensure continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation, in collaboration with the other advocacy officer.
- Produce relevant advocacy reports, statistics & anonymised case studies as required e.g. for project funding for the Board of Directors.
- Maintain specialist knowledge of relevant policies, procedures & legislation relating to benefits, as well as undertake appropriate training.
- Deliver support to clients in an outreach setting including local community hubs.
- Deliver workshops or informational sessions on financial literacy, budgeting, and tenant rights to empower clients.
- Promote, encourage & facilitate self-help & independence for visually impaired (VI) people.
- Carry out any other duties as reasonably required by management to ensure the efficient running of WSBPS.
- Comply with the Confidentiality and Health & Safety policies of WSBPS & always display professional behaviour & appearance.
The ideal candidate will be a good team player who enjoys working in busy environments who can demonstrate:
- A flexible approach to working and willingness to provide practical support in response to service requirements.
- Willingness to undertake training as required and develop awareness of visual impairment.
- An ability to display empathy with sight loss.
- Knowledge of the benefit system.
Other desirables for the role:
- Further or higher qualification preferably in a related subject area.
- Independent advocacy qualification or equivalent.
- Experience of working with vulnerable client groups.
- Knowledge of the local area, amenities and resources.
- Willingness to travel within local area, conducting home-based appointments and attending outreach hubs.
Key Skills required:
- Listening and communication
- Planning & Organisation
- Proficient IT/literacy skills
Contract: Fixed Term until November 2027 (with potential to extend)
Salary: £15,943.20 per year
Hours of work: 21 hours per week
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Hours of work are flexible and can be discussed upon interview.
In return, we offer a competitive package, great teamwork, training, and development as required.
To apply for this role, please provide a cover letter and CV. Suitable candidates will receive a response within 7 days of the application deadline. Closing date for applications is Monday 7th July at 9am.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, call our centre on 0151 652 8877 and ask for Alan or drop an email to alan@wirralsociety.org.uk.
Interviews will be taking place on Monday 28th July in person at our Ashville Lodge resource centre in Birkenhead.
‘We are an equal opportunities employer’
Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted have been providing services in Wirral since 1989. We provide help, support and advice to everyone with a visual impairment. We are based in Ashville Lodge in Birkenhead.
As we continue to grow, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an additional Advocacy Officer to join the team. Reporting to the Centre Supervisor, you will be responsible for working alongside your fellow Advocacy Officer in order to deliver support and advice regarding finances to clients with sight loss.
Responsibilities
- Advise clients regarding general benefits & services appropriate to their situation so that clients can make fully informed decisions about whether and when to make a claim.
- Act for client where necessary by negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.
- Assist clients with the completion of any relevant documentation e.g. benefit claim forms.
- Conduct home visits with clients when required.
- Consult with other organisations & services on behalf of clients, such as debt advice services, housing authorities or social services, making referrals as necessary.
- Maintain accurate Advocacy Service data and records to ensure continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation, in collaboration with the other advocacy officer.
- Produce relevant advocacy reports, statistics & anonymised case studies as required e.g. for project funding for the Board of Directors.
- Maintain specialist knowledge of relevant policies, procedures & legislation relating to benefits, as well as undertake appropriate training.
- Deliver support to clients in an outreach setting including local community hubs.
- Deliver workshops or informational sessions on financial literacy, budgeting, and tenant rights to empower clients.
- Promote, encourage & facilitate self-help & independence for visually impaired (VI) people.
- Carry out any other duties as reasonably required by management to ensure the efficient running of WSBPS.
- Comply with the Confidentiality and Health & Safety policies of WSBPS & always display professional behaviour & appearance.
The ideal candidate will be a good team player who enjoys working in busy environments who can demonstrate:
- A flexible approach to working and willingness to provide practical support in response to service requirements.
- Willingness to undertake training as required and develop awareness of visual impairment.
- An ability to display empathy with sight loss.
- Knowledge of the benefit system.
Other desirables for the role:
- Further or higher qualification preferably in a related subject area.
- Independent advocacy qualification or equivalent.
- Experience of working with vulnerable client groups.
- Knowledge of the local area, amenities and resources.
- Willingness to travel within local area, conducting home-based appointments and attending outreach hubs.
Key Skills required:
- Listening and communication
- Planning & Organisation
- Proficient IT/literacy skills
Contract: Fixed Term until November 2027 (with potential to extend)
Salary: £15,943.20 per year
Hours of work: 21 hours per week
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Hours of work are flexible and can be discussed upon interview.
In return, we offer a competitive package, great teamwork, training, and development as required.
To apply for this role, please provide a cover letter and CV. Suitable candidates will receive a response within 7 days of the application deadline. Closing date for applications is Monday 7th July at 9am.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, call our centre on 0151 652 8877 and ask for Alan or drop an email to alan@wirralsociety.org.uk.
Interviews will be taking place on Monday 28th July in person at our Ashville Lodge resource centre in Birkenhead.
‘We are an equal opportunities employer’