SEAS Advocate

SEAS Advocate

Reporting To: SEAS Programme Manager

Hours: 37 hours per week

Area: Kent

Location: Hybrid (Some homeworking with travel across Kent and Medway)

Office-Base: Home

Salary: £26,955.24 per annum

Fixed term contract until 31st March 2027, with possibility of extension.

Are you compassionate, organised, and looking to make a real difference in people's lives? Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the innovative SEAS team delivering both one-to-one and group support for autistic adults as part of the South East Autism Support (SEAS) Programme in Kent.

You will support individuals through self-advocacy sessions and regular peer support groups, both online and in-person. You will manage your own caseload, collaborate with local organisations, and help grow the service in response to member needs.

About the SEAS Programme

The SEAS Programme is built on the principles of self-advocacy. Our client creates safe, supportive spaces where people can share experiences, build social connections and build confidence.

The programme is currently made up of two projects - All Together Autistic and the Touch Base Project.

All Together Autistic (ATA)

ATA offers a range of in-person groups across Kent and Medway, as well as a large variety of online groups. The exact nature of each area's groups is planned with local members and groups which include walks, art and creative, active events and are always building.

The Touch Base Project (TB)

TB offers six weeks of one-to-one self-advocacy for Members who are struggling with their mental health and feel that they need additional support. Our client works with Members to develop SMART goals and to build confidence to achieve these targets. Together they aim to help members make lasting change happen for themselves.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a SEAS Advocate, your role will be varied and people focused. While no two days are the same, your responsibilities will broadly fall into the following areas:

Group Facilitation and Community Building:

• Lead and grow the All Together Autistic peer support groups in your assigned region.
• Manage group logistics, including venue bookings, communication with Members, and welcoming new participants.
• Promote inclusive, safe, and engaging group environments shaped by Member interests and needs.

One-to-One Self Advocacy Facilitation:

• Maintain a caseload of Touch Base interventions - offering six weeks of goal-focussed work.
• Deliver sessions both remotely (via Zoom) or in-person.
• Work with members to discuss their options, set targets, and build confidence in navigating services or systems.

Teamwork and Organisation:

• Attend regular team meetings, supervisions, and training sessions.
• Cover groups or individual sessions for colleagues when needed.
• Work in line with our client's policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and equal opportunities.
• Travel across Kent and Medway as required, occasionally at short notice.
• Work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends, to meet project needs.

Person Specification

Suitability for the role will be assessed through CV, Cover Letter, and at interview against the following criteria.

Qualifications and Training:

• Willingness to undertake training and continuing professional development.
• A full, clean UK driving licence and insurance covering business use.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience working with autistic adults in a professional context.
• Awareness of data protection, GDPR, and information sharing responsibilities.
• Awareness and commitment to equal opportunities and inclusive practice.
• Awareness of adult safeguarding procedures.
• Experience of working independently or in a lone-working context.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with autistic adults.
• A person-centred, non-judgemental approach.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Confident using online platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Discord.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel freely across Kent and Medway.
• Commitment to representing our client's values and promoting its work.

Communication and Engagement:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond to enquiries in a professional and approachable manner.
• Familiarity with online communication tools and virtual group facilitation.
• Commitment to innovation and exploring new technologies to engage Members.
• Understanding of how to use social media and digital tools to promote community engagement (desirable).

Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Our client is unable to offer sponsorship or assist with visa applications.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

To apply, please send your CV and a Cover Letter now.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday, 18th of May.

Please indicate any problems with availability or requests for reasonable adjustments in your application and/or cover letter.