The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities is seeking
to recruit an Advocate for a full time, permanent contract. The post
will be based in Cork.
NAS provides an independent, confidential and free representative
advocacy service that works exclusively for people with disabilities.
The service is person centred, accountable, accessible, impartial and
independent of service providers, families and other supports.
The organisation has a particular remit for adults with disabilities
who are isolated from their community and services, have communication
differences, are inappropriately accommodated, live in residential
services, attend day services and have limited informal or natural
supports.
The National Advocacy Service is provided through four regions and a
National Office which is based in Dublin.
The four regions are:
REGION - INCLUDING
* GREATER DUBLIN - Dublin, Fingal and Wicklow
* MIDLANDS NORTHEAST REGION - Cavan, Laois, Longford, Louth,
Kildare, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath,
* WESTERN REGION - Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo,
Roscommon, and Sligo.
* SOUTHERN REGION - Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary,
Waterford, Wexford
-------------------------
REPORTS TO: Regional Advocacy Manager
SALARY: ?**Apply on the website**,**Apply on the website**,**Apply
on the website** (pro-rata) (It is anticipated that new entrants to
the National Advocacy Service will be appointed on the 1st point of
the scale however, incremental credit, should it be awarded, will be
based on previous relevant experience as set out on application form).
LOCATION: Southern Region (Cork)
HOURS: The position is full time (**Apply on the website** hours per
week).
THE POSITION ENTAILS TRAVEL; THEREFORE ACCESS TO USE OF A CAR IS A
REQUIREMENT FOR THE POST.
THE ADVOCATE WILL BE ASKED TO OBTAIN GARDA CLEARANCE BEFORE THEY BEGIN
WORK.
A REGIONAL PANEL MAY BE FORMED OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FROM WHICH
TEMPORARY FULL AND PART-TIME ADVOCATE POSTS WHICH ARISE WITHIN THE
NEXT **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** MONTHS WILL BE FILLED SHOULD VACANCIES
ARISE IN THIS PERIOD.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The completed application form and a cover letter should be emailed
(as an attachment) to **Apply on the website** (stating
ADVPERMCORK**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** in the subject line)
Shortlisting may apply.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Applications and cover letter must be typed. CVs, late or incomplete
applications will not be accepted.
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION: **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH
MARCH **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** AT 5PM.
THE NATIONAL ADVOCACY SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY THE CITIZENS INFORMATION BOARD.
-------------------------
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SERVICE PROVISION
* Assist, support and represent people with disabilities to seek a
service, negotiating on their behalf and pursuing any right of review
or appeal as required
* Work with people in residential and day service settings and with
service providers to ensure people?s rights, dignity, choices and
decisions are safeguarded
* Advocate on behalf of qualifying persons under the Citizen
information Act (when commenced) as requested by the Regional Advocacy
Manager
* Work as part of the regional advocacy team and share learning to
improve practice and effect policy change
* Ensure that people with disabilities who need information, advice
and advocacy are provided with the service that best supports their
needs and that those with the capacity to self-advocate are supported
to use mainstream services in their local community
* Identify and record issues that arise for people with disabilities
to inform systemic changes in both the delivery and policy of public
services
* Adhere to standardised policies, practice and quality standards.
* Provide peer support within the advocacy team and develop
specialist expertise as required
* Work in co-operation with other advocates across the National
Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities
* Maintain effective and co-operative relationships with key
stakeholders including service providers without compromising the
independence of the advocacy service.
* Effectively manage a caseload and keep accurate records using the
electronic case management system, adhering to case management
requirements
* Report on advocacy activities, and undertake review and evaluation
as required by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Observe data protection legislation and good practice in service
provision
* Offer occasional back-up to self-advocacy and other support
groups.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Participate in special projects and joint working arrangements in
consultation with the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Participate in mentoring activities
* Undertake promotional work on the National Advocacy Service as
directed by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Develop and share knowledge of relevant legislation,
appeals/redress mechanisms and social policy and practices in relation
to advocating on behalf of people with disabilities
* Undertake appropriate training as required and ensure continuing
professional development
* Undertake supervision of practice in line with service
requirements
* Represent the National Advocacy Service at conferences etc., as
decided by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Participate and work within a Performance Management Development
System (PMDS) process
* Undertake other duties assigned by the Regional Advocacy Manager
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* An understanding and knowledge of the philosophy, background and
operation of advocacy
* Awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and the
barriers experienced in accessing rights and services.
* Ability to represent, negotiate and communicate on behalf of
others
* Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
* Ability to respect and promote people?s right to make informed
decisions/choices
* Excellent judgement
* High degree of personal integrity
* Ability to organise one?s own workload, plan and set goals
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Commitment to the rights of people with disabilities
* Flexibility of approach and flexibility to work unsocial hours
when required and ability to travel efficiently throughout the region
as requested.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR POSITION
* Educated to graduate level in one or more of the following areas:
social sciences, humanities, law, training and development. Equivalent
experience and training will also be considered.
* Advocacy qualification desirable
* Previous experience of working with people in a service-delivery
role
* Knowledge of relevant disability legislation, disability rights
and issues, developments in disability services
* Effective communication skills both oral and written
* Ability to negotiate effectively on behalf of clients
* Competent IT skills
* Good written English
* Experience of and commitment to building up personal skills
* Case management skills
* Ability to give presentations to a variety of audiences.
* Ability to review and monitor projects
ADVOCATE
The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities is seeking
to recruit an Advocate for a full time, permanent contract. The post
will be based in Cork.
NAS provides an independent, confidential and free representative
advocacy service that works exclusively for people with disabilities.
The service is person centred, accountable, accessible, impartial and
independent of service providers, families and other supports.
The organisation has a particular remit for adults with disabilities
who are isolated from their community and services, have communication
differences, are inappropriately accommodated, live in residential
services, attend day services and have limited informal or natural
supports.
The National Advocacy Service is provided through four regions and a
National Office which is based in Dublin.
The four regions are:
REGION - INCLUDING
* GREATER DUBLIN - Dublin, Fingal and Wicklow
* MIDLANDS NORTHEAST REGION - Cavan, Laois, Longford, Louth,
Kildare, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath,
* WESTERN REGION - Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo,
Roscommon, and Sligo.
* SOUTHERN REGION - Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary,
Waterford, Wexford
-------------------------
REPORTS TO: Regional Advocacy Manager
SALARY: ?**Apply on the website**,**Apply on the website**,**Apply
on the website** (pro-rata) (It is anticipated that new entrants to
the National Advocacy Service will be appointed on the 1st point of
the scale however, incremental credit, should it be awarded, will be
based on previous relevant experience as set out on application form).
LOCATION: Southern Region (Cork)
HOURS: The position is full time (**Apply on the website** hours per
week).
THE POSITION ENTAILS TRAVEL; THEREFORE ACCESS TO USE OF A CAR IS A
REQUIREMENT FOR THE POST.
THE ADVOCATE WILL BE ASKED TO OBTAIN GARDA CLEARANCE BEFORE THEY BEGIN
WORK.
A REGIONAL PANEL MAY BE FORMED OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FROM WHICH
TEMPORARY FULL AND PART-TIME ADVOCATE POSTS WHICH ARISE WITHIN THE
NEXT **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** MONTHS WILL BE FILLED SHOULD VACANCIES
ARISE IN THIS PERIOD.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The completed application form and a cover letter should be emailed
(as an attachment) to **Apply on the website** (stating
ADVPERMCORK**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** in the subject line)
Shortlisting may apply.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Applications and cover letter must be typed. CVs, late or incomplete
applications will not be accepted.
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATION: **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH
MARCH **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** AT 5PM.
THE NATIONAL ADVOCACY SERVICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY THE CITIZENS INFORMATION BOARD.
-------------------------
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SERVICE PROVISION
* Assist, support and represent people with disabilities to seek a
service, negotiating on their behalf and pursuing any right of review
or appeal as required
* Work with people in residential and day service settings and with
service providers to ensure people?s rights, dignity, choices and
decisions are safeguarded
* Advocate on behalf of qualifying persons under the Citizen
information Act (when commenced) as requested by the Regional Advocacy
Manager
* Work as part of the regional advocacy team and share learning to
improve practice and effect policy change
* Ensure that people with disabilities who need information, advice
and advocacy are provided with the service that best supports their
needs and that those with the capacity to self-advocate are supported
to use mainstream services in their local community
* Identify and record issues that arise for people with disabilities
to inform systemic changes in both the delivery and policy of public
services
* Adhere to standardised policies, practice and quality standards.
* Provide peer support within the advocacy team and develop
specialist expertise as required
* Work in co-operation with other advocates across the National
Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities
* Maintain effective and co-operative relationships with key
stakeholders including service providers without compromising the
independence of the advocacy service.
* Effectively manage a caseload and keep accurate records using the
electronic case management system, adhering to case management
requirements
* Report on advocacy activities, and undertake review and evaluation
as required by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Observe data protection legislation and good practice in service
provision
* Offer occasional back-up to self-advocacy and other support
groups.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Participate in special projects and joint working arrangements in
consultation with the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Participate in mentoring activities
* Undertake promotional work on the National Advocacy Service as
directed by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Develop and share knowledge of relevant legislation,
appeals/redress mechanisms and social policy and practices in relation
to advocating on behalf of people with disabilities
* Undertake appropriate training as required and ensure continuing
professional development
* Undertake supervision of practice in line with service
requirements
* Represent the National Advocacy Service at conferences etc., as
decided by the Regional Advocacy Manager
* Participate and work within a Performance Management Development
System (PMDS) process
* Undertake other duties assigned by the Regional Advocacy Manager
PERSON SPECIFICATION
* An understanding and knowledge of the philosophy, background and
operation of advocacy
* Awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and the
barriers experienced in accessing rights and services.
* Ability to represent, negotiate and communicate on behalf of
others
* Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
* Ability to respect and promote people?s right to make informed
decisions/choices
* Excellent judgement
* High degree of personal integrity
* Ability to organise one?s own workload, plan and set goals
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Commitment to the rights of people with disabilities
* Flexibility of approach and flexibility to work unsocial hours
when required and ability to travel efficiently throughout the region
as requested.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR POSITION
* Educated to graduate level in one or more of the following areas:
social sciences, humanities, law, training and development. Equivalent
experience and training will also be considered.
* Advocacy qualification desirable
* Previous experience of working with people in a service-delivery
role
* Knowledge of relevant disability legislation, disability rights
and issues, developments in disability services
* Effective communication skills both oral and written
* Ability to negotiate effectively on behalf of clients
* Competent IT skills
* Good written English
* Experience of and commitment to building up personal skills
* Case management skills
* Ability to give presentations to a variety of audiences.
* Ability to review and monitor projects
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
