Community Advocate - Learning Disabilities

About Camden People First

Camden People First is a user led organisation run by and for adults with learning disabilities. We promote independence, equality, and self advocacy across the London Borough of Camden. Our work centres on empowering people to speak up, make their own choices, and influence the services and policies that affect their lives.

This role supports our mission by helping adults with learning disabilities, build confidence, understand their rights, remove barriers and help them to take an active role in their community.

Role Purpose

To provide high quality, person centred advocacy for adults with learning disabilities, and neurodivergency in Camden. The Community Advocate helps individuals speak up, be heard, access services, challenge unfair treatment, and participate fully in decisions about their lives. The role also strengthens Camden People First s presence in the community and supports our self advocacy groups.

As a Community Advocate, you will empower people to have a bigger voice, to be heard, and to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.

You will support individuals with issues including wellbeing and health, housing needs, accessing services, organising and attending meetings, and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Empowerment

• Support adults with learning disabilities and neurodivergent) to express their views, wishes, and concerns in their own words.
• Provide independent advocacy during meetings, assessments, reviews, and care planning processes.
• Support people with a range of communication needs using accessible approaches (signs, symbols, photos, multimedia, etc).
• Help service users understand information and choices using accessible communication (Easy Read, plain English, visuals).
• Encourage and develop self advocacy skills so service users can speak up for themselves.
• Manage a caseload of up to 5 active cases at any time.
• Attend meetings and forums alongside service users.

Community Engagement

• Work in partnership with local services, including Camden Council Social Services, health providers, housing teams, and voluntary and community organisations.
• Promote the rights of people with learning disabilities across Camden.
• Support adults with learning disabilities to access community activities, employment, education, and social opportunities.

Casework & Representation

• Manage a caseload of individuals needing one to one advocacy.
• Attend multi agency meetings (such as MASH) to ensure the person s voice is heard and respected.
• Challenge decisions or practices that undermine an adult with learning disabilities rights, wellbeing, or independence.

Safeguarding & Rights Protection

• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with Camden People First policies and statutory guidance.
• Promote the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Equality Act, and Human Rights Act and other legislation.
• Ensure all advocacy is independent, confidential, and led by the person.

Administration & Reporting

• Keep accurate case notes, outcome records, and monitoring information.
• Contribute to service evaluation, member feedback, and quality improvement.
• Support the development of accessible information and Easy Read materials.

Internal Relationships

Reports to the Director, with caseload-only supervision by the Volunteer Caseload Supervisor.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Level 4 Independent Advocacy qualification
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities or other vulnerable groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including accessible communication methods.
• Understanding of relevant legislation (MCA, Care Act, Equality Act).
• Ability to build trust, maintain boundaries, and work in a user led environment.
• Confident in challenging decisions and advocating assertively but respectfully.
• Commitment to co production and working alongside self advocates.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in advocacy, social care, community development, or peer support settings.
• Knowledge of Camden s local services and community networks.
• Experience producing Easy Read materials or using tools like photosymbols
• Understanding of user led organisations and the social model of disability.

Personal Qualities

• Empathetic, patient, and genuinely person centred.
• Passionate about equality, rights, and inclusion.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Comfortable working in a lively, member led environment where lived experience is central.