Person Specification ADVOCATE

Factor Essential/Desirable When Assessed

Application form (AF)

Interview (I)

Skills Test (ST)

Qualifications

IAQ qualified or be willing to study for and pass within 12 months

E AF/I

Experience

Previous experience of working as an advocate D AF/I

Previous experience of working with people who lack capacity

D AF/I

Previous experience of working with a diverse range of vulnerable people with a wide variety of communication needs

D AF/I

Previous experience of working with people to ensure their rights and their voices are heard

D AF/I

Previous experience of working in the charity sector D AF/I

Knowledge

An understanding of principles of Advocacy E I

An understanding of Mental Health E I

Advocate Person Specification – Updated 23/01/2019VoiceAbility charity number: 1076630, company number: 3798884 1

Of the statutory regulations and other key guidance covering this work: Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Advocacy Code of Practice, Advocacy Charter

D I/ST

An understanding of the Third Sector D I

Skills and Abilities

Ability to communicate clearly both in writing, verbally and with nonverbal means using a range of communication tools

E AF/ST

Ability to facilitate the involvement of the vulnerable person in the process they are going through

E I/ST

Ability to check, challenge and negotiate with people at all levels of seniority

E I/ST

Good report writing skills E ST

Representing an organisation externally E I

IT skills – a working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and using databases

E ST

Good relationship building skills E I

Strong time management skills E I/ST

Personal Qualities/Style

Professional E I

Strong business acumen E I/ST

Enthusiastic and engaging E I

Good listener E I/ST

Empathetic E I/ST

Self-motivated E I/ST

Strong personal impact E I/ST

Positive “can do” attitude E I/ST

Advocate Person Specification – Updated 23/01/2019VoiceAbility charity number: 1076630, company number: 3798884 2

Motivation

A passion for the third sector E ALL

Strong commitment to service excellence E I/ST

Additional Requirements

Full, clean driving licence and access to own vehicle D AF

Satisfactory enhanced level DBS criminal record check E AF

Advocate Person Specification – Updated 23/01/2019VoiceAbility charity number: 1076630, company number: 3798884 3