Volunteer Opportunity Casual, part-time - The ideal candidate can commit approximately 2 hours a week to the role and are able to commit to a minimum of one year as an issue-based Advocate, or longer term as a Citizen Advocate. This post is based Countywide This position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly Criminal Records Bureau check).

Impact Advocacy Service provides free, independent, advocacy support throughout West Sussex for adults with a learning disability, physical and/or sensory impairment, an acquired brain injury or adults who are on the Autism Spectrum. Volunteer Advocates provide support on a variety of issues, helping people with disabilities to understand their rights, make informed choices and have their views and wishes communicated to others. Advocacy support may be issue-based, supporting someone with a particular issue for up to 6 months, or citizen advocacy, providing long term support to someone with a learning disability living in residential/supported accommodation who has no family or friends who can offer support. Skills required • Good communication and negotiation skills. • Ability to think creatively and develop tools for supporting communication with partners. • Willing to support partners to voice their views. • Ability to maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality. • Non-judgemental and willing to focus on their partner’s needs. • Ability to develop effective working relationships with professionals, family members and others. • Ability to facilitate the partner’s involvement in the advocacy process. Ideal Volunteer • Can commit approximately 2 hours a week to the role. • Able to commit to a minimum of one year as an issue-based Advocate, or longer term as a Citizen Advocate. • Willing to attend training, supervision and peer support sessions whenever possible. • Has experience of supporting someone with a disability or has an interest in doing so. Details of role • Develop a positive and supportive relationship with partners. • Support partners with their issues in the way they wish, for example, attending meetings with them, writing letters, making phone calls, so that their voice is heard and they are able to participate in decision-making. • To provide information for their partner, to enable them to make informed decisions, but not to act as an adviser. Regularity of role How often an Advocate meets with their partner will depend on the partner’s issue and the availability of the Advocate. All visits are made between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Guidance and Support Volunteers are home-based. Volunteers receive regular supervision and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator or Team Manager and attend regular Peer Support Sessions, training and Team Days. Training and equipment New Volunteers receive a training and induction programme, along with shadowing opportunities with existing Advocates. Volunteers are then matched with a partner according to geographical location and the Volunteer’s wishes. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Volunteers will need to agree to a DBS check. References Two satisfactory references are required. Other information Volunteers receive agreed travelling expenses. Volunteers need to be over 18 years old.