STUDENT VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE ROLE DESCRIPTION

Purpose  

OCAY provides independent advocacy and support to people aged 50 and over in York. Our advocates help people to have their voices heard, understand their options and address issues affecting their lives. 

Main Tasks 

The volunteer advocate will: 

Explore the issue with the client to ensure they fully understand the client’s situation, concerns and desired outcome. 

Research relevant information, options and processes before agreeing the next steps with the client. 

Support clients to complete forms, write letters, make telephone calls or prepare for and attend meetings. 

Help ensure that the client’s views and wishes are properly heard and understood. 

Where necessary, speak on behalf of a client, but only with the client’s knowledge and consent. 

Support people with issues relating to areas such as benefits, energy suppliers, pensions, health and social care, and housing. 

Volunteer advocates support clients to make their own informed choices. They do not provide legal, financial or medical advice or make decisions on a client’s behalf. 

Skills and Experience 

Previous experience of working with or supporting a range of people would be helpful. This experience may have been gained through volunteering, employment, education, caring responsibilities, community involvement or lived experience. 

Formal advocacy experience is not essential, as training and support will be provided. 

Interpersonal Skills 

The ability to help clients feel comfortable and at ease. 

Active listening skills and the ability to understand a client’s concerns. 

Sensitivity, patience and empathy. 

A commitment to respecting clients’ wishes, choices and confidentiality. 

The ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. 

A non-judgemental and person-centred approach. 

Problem-Solving and Communication Skills 

The ability to research and explain information and processes clearly. 

The ability to identify possible options and support clients to make their own informed choices. 

The ability to help clients draft letters and communicate by telephone or email. 

Good written and verbal communication skills. 

The ability to recognise when additional advice or support may be required. 

IT Skills 

Basic confidence using email, Microsoft Word and internet search engines. 

A willingness and ability to learn how to use OCAY’s case-management database. 

Time Commitment 

The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to your availability. Individual advocacy cases will vary in length and complexity, and volunteers can discuss their availability and capacity with the OCAY team before accepting a case. 

Training and Support 

OCAY provides: 

A comprehensive induction programme. 

Opportunities to shadow experienced volunteer advocates. 

Support with your first advocacy cases. 

Training on relevant advocacy subjects and issues. 

Continuing support and regular supervision. 

Access to guidance, resources and advice from the OCAY team. 

Location 

Advocacy work may take place: 

At OCAY’s Priory Street office. 

By telephone or video call. 

At an agreed public or community venue. 

Student volunteer advocates are not permitted to visit clients in their homes. Any work away from Priory Street must be agreed in advance and carried out in accordance with OCAY’s policies and risk-assessment procedures. 

Expenses 

Reasonable travel expenses incurred while carrying out the role are available in accordance with OCAY’s volunteer expenses policy. 

Recruitment Requirements 

Anyone appointed to the role will be required to provide: 

Details of two referees. 

The information and documentation required for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

Any other documentation required as part of OCAY’s safer recruitment process.