Main Duties and Responsibilities
To advocate on behalf of the client:
· Maintaining regular face to face contact with the client, this can be via virtual means
· Providing a service that is independent of commissioners or service providers
· Finding out the client’s views on their care and helping them to communicate these with others
· Safeguarding the client’s best interests
· Send regular Reports to the Deprivation of Liberty Team (DoLS Team) in the Local Authority throughout the duration of the authorisation
· Periodically review the client’s care plan for appropriateness and that actions are taken in line with the DoLS authorisation and the clients best interests
· Attend reviews of the care and help to voice the clients views and wishes
· Communicating your views on the client’s best interests during reviews when appropriate and in line with their wishes.
· Requesting a review when the client is subject to restrictions that the client objects to.
· Challenging care plans when they are no longer appropriate to the client’s needs
· Support clients in legal challenges, when required, alongside experienced Advocates
· Use the SWAN Cygnet database to ensure accurate collection of data and data recording of all client meetings, travel time, and associated activities
Skills and Attributes
· Positive attitude towards vulnerable clients who may have dementia, a learning disability, brain injury or complex needs
· Knowledge and understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is desirable but training will be provided
· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
· Experience of record keeping and report writing
· Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding
· IT literate
Benefits of Volunteering with SWAN
· The opportunity to develop new and existing skills and gain experience volunteering in a charity
· The opportunity to meet new people
· The opportunity to build a Personal Development Portfolio
· The satisfaction of knowing you are making a vital difference to the work of SWAN
Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to SWAN’s values. We welcome applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disabled candidates, as well as those with lived experience of using advocacy services.