Volunteer Independent Advocate

• Patients Advocacy Service

• VO102052

Role Description

To advocate for patients in The State Hospital with specific reference to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. Contact and availability for patients is crucial to the successful delivery of any advocacy service. PAS as a service actively promotes advocacy by being approachable and visible, working to build open, honest and trusting relationships with patients. PAS pro-active approach ensures that all patients have the option to use advocacy by speaking to every patient a minimum of once per year about the service we provide.

In conjunction with the Patients’ Advocacy Volunteer Co-ordinator, Volunteers should ensure the safety and security of the hospital is observed at all times but work independently within it, with the aim of promoting patients as individuals and of supporting them to be fully informed and involved in their care and treatment.

Specific Duties

It is expected that every Volunteer Advocate will always carry out the following specific duties to the best of their abilities:

Provide confidential, free, independent advocacy to patients in The State Hospital.

To attend group meetings.

To facilitate the ward drop-in.

To undertake to improve communication methods between advocates and others within The State Hospital.

Supporting individuals to represent themselves, acting on their behalf where instructed to do so.

Provide patients with up-to-date information in an accessible manner to ensure patients make informed decisions about their care, welfare and lifestyle choices.

To have and maintain an awareness of the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) guidelines, current legislation, policy developments and social issues that are likely to be significant to service users.

Increase awareness, knowledge and training around the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 to patients and others within The State Hospital.

Assist patients in preparing for Mental Health Tribunals, Parole Hearings, Children’s Hearings and solicitor meetings.

Assist patients in preparing for Care Programme Approach meetings.

Attend meetings with patients to provide support and assistance.

Provide information and support with the preparation of Advance Statements.

To keep up to date with patient rights, including statutory legislation, recommendations and guidance.

Volunteers will play an important role in raising staff and patient awareness of advocacy and actively promote the service.

To liaise with and report to the Volunteer Co-ordinator and manager as appropriate. The advocate will be responsible to the Volunteer Co-ordinator, who reports to the manager. Volunteers will receive support, guidance and supervision on a formal basis as required by the Co-ordinator, in addition to informal support networks within PAS.

To positively promote PAS by maintaining good standards of practice in relation to the service and by always behaving in a professional manner.

Volunteers will be responsible for maintaining patient’s records following any contact and for actioning agreed pieces of work.

To participate in and contribute to training organised for and by PAS for members of PAS staff. Volunteers will highlight their own training needs and work with the Co-ordinator to ensure these are fulfilled.

To participate in Board of Directors meetings when and if required.

To take part in regular individual and group supervision as well as any reviews and team building events.

Volunteers will, at all times, follow the policies and procedures of PAS and carry out any other duties deemed appropriate.

This list is neither exhaustive nor exclusive. The post holder will be expected to contribute to the ongoing development of the post and the service.

Experience required

Driving,No Expertise, Caring,Good Communicator,Good Listener,Hard Working,Open minded,Patient,Reliable / Dependable,Sociable,Team Player,Trustworthy,Non-judgmental.
Able to work on own initiative.

Travel details

The opportunity takes at multiple location across South Lanarkshire
Across South Lanarkshire

Travel expenses

Travel expenses - 45p per mile.

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