Community Befriending Advisor

Purpose of the Post:

1. Provide advice and support in respect of a wide range of issues which will enable individuals to make better informed decisions regarding their living circumstances and to improve their quality of life in general. To develop and implement various models of for the delivery of a befriending service (based upon need), these including: -

a. Face to Face

b. Distance befriending

c. Group befriending

d. Peer befriending

e. Befriending or mentoring

2. To develop a variety of networks/relationships with other voluntary and public sector organisations which will promote the befriending and advocacy work of HASWA

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

· Take referrals to the service from clients and ensure clients are treated fairly and with dignity.

· Possess good communication skills to enable you to establish working relationships with

clients and statutory/voluntary services

· Help older people feel less lonely by providing companionship and conversation.

· Have a good local knowledge of the Havering area and the services/organisations available

· Empower clients to speak for themselves, or speak on their behalf where necessary

· When necessary, accompany clients to meetings, or attend meetings on their behalf

· Make appropriate referrals to other agencies, if required, according to clients’ needs/wishes

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of adult welfare benefits and statutory developments, which may affect your clients

· Liaise with other agencies as required, including health and social care professionals and the local authority

· Manage a caseload and keep accurate, confidential records within the organisation’s working practices and data protection policies and procedures

· Compile reports as required

· Support and supervise advocate volunteers.

· Organise and attend outreach meetings to raise awareness of the service, to groups within the community

· To undertake other duties appropriate to the job as required.

Skills:

· Good administration and IT skills

· Good verbal, listening and written communication skills with all age groups.

· Self-starter, able to work independently and in a team.

· Ability to speak any Indian language as second language.

Professional learning and development:

· The advocate is required to undertake learning and development including:

· Keeping up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures

· Attending internal and external training

· Obtaining and maintaining accreditation for specialist practice

Pay: £26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking

Work Location: In person