Are you a good listener with an empathetic, professional and methodical approach? Do you have two hours a week to support vulnerable adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? Action for M.E.’s UK-wide advocacy service, expanding in Scotland, supports adults with M.E./CFS to understand their rights, make informed choices, and have their views and wishes heard and respected, dealing with issues including health, social care, housing and employment. You’ll work entirely online/by phone to meet and represent clients, agree an action plan, undertake research, contact professionals and more. Full training, support and supervision provided by our experienced, friendly team.
You will be:
• supporting and representing people with M.E./CFS on an issue where they are finding it hard to have their views, wishes or needs heard
• providing an independent and confidential service
• helping people with M.E./CFS understand their rights and options
• helping people with M.E./CFS make informed choices This will involve:
• being allocated someone with M.E/CFS as a client, or working alongside an Advocacy Officer providing casework support for a client
• holding meetings by phone and video call (and occasionally face to face*) with clients to learn about the issue that is affecting them and the outcome they want to achieve
• working collaboratively with a client to produce an action plan
• completing actions within set timeframes
• regularly reviewing the progress of your client’s case
• researching and explaining information to your client
• helping your client prepare for meetings
• writing emails/letters to and on behalf of your client (with their direction)
• representing your client’s views accurately