Company description
Coventry Advocacy provide advocacy support to parents who are subject to the Child Protection process
Job description
Parent Advocate
Coventry Advocacy are currently looking for a new Parent Advocate to join the team. The role will include face to face meetings with parents and professionals as well as virtual meetings. There will be a requirement to travel to locations for meetings/assessments and court hearings as required. Virtual meetings will be home based. Our Parents are based in Coventry and Warwickshire, Milton Keynes, Stoke on Trent, Northampton, Birmingham and surrounding areas, you may also be required to travel elsewhere.
Experience of working in, or knowledge of Social Care/Child Protection is essential
35 hours per week contract - hours to be worked 8am - 6pm to meet the needs of the business (Monday to Friday) .
The salary for this role is £15 per hour. .
Role Purpose
Provide support to parents navigating the Child Protection process and assist their participation.
Responsibilities: (Note in addition to these functions employees are required to carry out such other duties as may reasonably be required)
- Provide support to parents who have learning difficulties, learning disabilities or low-level cognitive functioning during meetings which will include initial Child Protection Conference, Core Groups, LAC reviews, parenting assessments, Solicitor’s meetings, court proceedings etc.
- To assist parents to understand the information that is being shared with them and the next steps that need to be taken.
- To prepare and debrief parents for meetings, ensuring they are supported to fully participate in the process.
- Develop effective, supportive working relationships with parents whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
- To ensure Social Care are acting appropriately and fairly in the best interests of the parent and that due process has been followed.
- To cover for and support other advocates as required due to workloads (including court hearings)
- To maintain accurate records, ensuring confidentiality is always maintained.
- To build and maintain good working relationships with professionals.
- Raise awareness of Coventry Advocacy & its services.
- To raise any safeguarding concerns with the relevant Local Authority
- To be proactive with own personal development and undertake any training deemed appropriate.
- To undertake such other tasks as may be required from time to time.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate with parents with learning difficulties, learning disabilities or low-level cognitive functioning.
- Highly organised, with the ability to plan varying workload and diary.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Flexible working approach with the ability to be reactive to meeting requests.
- Ability to develop excellent working relationships with parents and supporting personnel.
- Able to travel to meetings as necessary.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of Child Protection processes is essential
- Experience of working with people with learning difficulties, learning disabilities or low-level cognitive functioning.
- A good educational background with a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade C, one must be in English.
- Current DBS (although this can be achieved once employed)
- Full clean driving license & access to a car. Business Insurance is also required.
If you would like further information or to discuss the role in more detail please contact Helen Dalley on 07918 676579
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35.0 per week
Work Location: On the road
