Collective Advocacy Worker for two projects

Collective Advocacy Worker for two projects:

·     Experience of Eating Disorders

·     LGBTQIA+ community

21 hours per week

Salary: £ 25,778 - £ 28,533 per annum FTE,

Starting salary £14,933

CAPS is looking for a new Collective Advocacy worker to lead the work of these two established collective advocacy projects. The role is to ensure people’s voices in both these groups are heard by decision-makers locally. Each group has developed its own priorities by drawing on their experiences to bring about change and improve attitudes and services.

This role will support and join the existing enthusiastic team of CAPS Collective Advocacy workers, who work across Lothian on eight different mental health related collective advocacy projects.

The role offers autonomy and flexibility. You should be friendly and approachable, with the ability to form trusting relationships with group members and colleagues. Some working from home is possible. This is a great opportunity to work with a dynamic independent advocacy organisation that’s making a real difference to people’s lives.

Familiarity with the experiences of these groups would be an advantage. There will be a 6-month probationary period attached to this post. This post will be subject to membership of the PVG Scheme and appropriate check. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th September 2024 at 12 noon. Proposed interview date is Friday 20 September 2024.

The main purpose of this post is to enable people who have lived experience of mental health issues to participate in collective advocacy. People come together to voice what is important to them based on their experiences and take some action to bring about change. The people in the groups lead and shape the work. The worker’s role is to help the group to implement their ideas. Groups might want to raise awareness of a particular mental health condition; have a say in mental health policy making; influence the future planning and provision of services; educate students and professionals by sharing their own lived experience etc. 

1.   Project delivery and development

The main focus of the work will be direct responsibility for facilitating these two projects:

·     “Seen But Not Heard” experience of Eating Disorders project

·     LGBTQIA+ collective advocacy project

These two projects involve working with people who have lived experience relating to the project topic. The projects aim to give a voice to people who have lived experience of mental health conditions in order to improve the future experiences of people who are receiving support and treatment.

These groups are well established, however membership fluctuates, and so priorities may change.

2.   Facilitating CAPS experience led sessions

The power of hearing directly from people with lived experience is becoming increasingly recognised and people who are involved with CAPS are invited to contribute their lived experience in many different ways to help aid the understanding and practice of others.

This post will assist people with a range of mental health experiences to contribute their knowledge in the way that works best for them. This might be around a particular topic e.g. Access to Services, or to a particular group of professionals e.g. Mental Health Officers or Social Workers.

This work will be directed by the Education as Advocacy programme and involve working alongside other CAPS collective advocacy staff.

Operational support and guidance will be provided.

Full job description and how to apply are at the link.

CAPS Independent Advocacy is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Scottish Charity Number: SC021772