Parent Peer Advocate

1. Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales) is an independent non-profit, non-political charity which works with people who have a mental health related issue, other voluntary organisations and statutory services to promote mental well-being and to ensure there is a comprehensive range of mental health services in Wales.
2. The PPASS service aims to improve and enhance the West Glamorgan regional advocacy network by creating a new form of peer advocacy and peer support for parents who are going through the child protection process, statutory assessment and/or the looked after children system within the Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea area.
3. We provide 9% Pension Contribution after successful completion of a three month probationary period.

PPASS (Parent Peer Advocacy and Support Service)

Salary: £24,350 - £27,500 per annum (actual)

Hours: 37 Per Week

Contract: Permanent

Pension: 9% Pension Contribution (after successful completion of a three month probationary period)

Line Management: Advocacy Manager & Assistant Advocacy Manager

Accountable to: Mental Health Matters Wales’ Board of Trustees

Office Base in: Neath Port Talbot & Swansea

Purpose of the post

The PPASS service aims to improve and enhance the West Glamorgan regional advocacy network by creating a new form of peer advocacy and peer support for parents who are going through the child protection process, statutory assessment and/or the looked after children system within the Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea area.

Main duties

• To provide an advocacy service for parents who are going through the child protection process, statutory assessment and/or the looked after children system
• Provide advocacy support, to clients which may include accompanying clients to meetings, or support in writing letter to represent and/or negotiate on their behalf as requested.
• To work in such a way as to encourage clients to self-advocate as much as possible via training/coaching/rehearsing
• To provide clear information to enable clients to understand their rights and to make informed choices on options available to them
• Undertaking promotional activities across West Glamorgan to promote the service in line with an agreed promotional plan.
• Attending various meetings as requested by the council which may relate to promoting, reviewing and evaluating the service.
• To make and maintain secure, accurate and confidential case records
• To maintain contacts in the community
• Work alongside the peer support workers to provide a wrap-around service for the clients.
• In conjunction with the manager actively develop and maintain links with other advocacy groups within Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea.

Corporate Responsibilities

• To adhere to and implement MHM Wales’ philosophy, aims and objectives and policies and procedures
• To contribute fully to team meetings, working groups and in-house training
• To attend and fully engage in supervision (or annual performance review) with the Advocacy Manager and Assistant Advocacy Manager
• To identify and attend training as necessary
• To regularly monitor, upkeep and disseminate statistical information as required
• To undertake other duties identified as reasonable and necessary within the scope of this post
• To network with other Mental Health Matters Wales staff members to promote and facilitate integrated and cohesive services

Other duties

• To be willing and able to undertake the Level 4 Certificate/Diploma in Independent Advocacy within 18 months of undertaking the post

General

• The post holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties that fall within the scope of this post to ensure the efficient running of the organisation
• Other than when central office admin support is available, to be administratively self-servicing.