Advocate - Person Specification

FACTORS	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
Qualifications	Educated to degree level or have equivalent experience.
Experience/ Knowledge	Experience of working in a busy environment. Knowledge and empathy regarding children and young people and the issues they face. Thorough understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities and positive anti-discriminatory practice. Excellent literacy and administrative skills including effective use of information technology, record keeping and developing systems. Excellent written communication skills are required to ensure the accurate and clear communication of the client’s views on a wide variety of sometimes complex issues. Proven experience of working across all levels of an organisation and liaisng effectively with a diverse range of contacts, audiences and stakeholders. A sensitivity towards the physical, social and emotional needs of children and young people and their carers. Understanding of multi cultural, multi faith issues.	Experience and knowledge of Child Protection Procedures and relevant Acts and Policies. Experience of conducting risk assessments, safety planning and case managing risk. Experience of internal monitoring and service provision. Experience of developing , monitoring and evaluation of projects.
Skills/ Abilities	Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain good relationships with external contacts at all levels, as well as effective relationships with key personnel at YVYC and the parent organisation KCA, including the APM/Chief Executive, Managers and Trustees. The post holder must be able to communicate the client’s aims in an articulate way, as well as to speak with tact and discretion. Strong crisis management skills and an ability to cope in stressful situations. Ability to prioritise workload. Ability to take initiative and share ideas. Ability to work to set targets and achieve measurable outcomes Excellent reporting skills written and verbal. Ability to clearly understand principles of confidentiality and boundaries.
Personal Qualities	Calm, compassionate and flexible approach Able to concentrate and maintain focus in a busy environment. Comfortable working on own and as part of a team.	A commitment to children’s and young peoples’ welfare and development.