#HealthNow Peer Advocate

Essential 

• People with lived experience of homelessness
• Good listening skills and the ability to respond to information provided
• Non-judgmental, patient and friendly 
• Good time-keeping and reliability
• The ability to record information in a simple form 

Desirable

• Previous volunteering or work experience, ideally in a peer support role 
• We are particularly looking for volunteers with an understanding of addiction. You may be in recovery or have helped someone through their journey. 
• Availability to volunteer flexible hours to support clients when they have appointments. 

• Experience and training in homeless health advocacy with a leading national charity working with people experiencing homelessness
• The opportunity to use your lived experience of homelessness to help develop trusting relationships with people experiencing homelessness
• Regular 1:1s with your supervisor, reflective practice sessions and progression support
• The opportunity to meet other volunteers
• A phone and tablet for dedicated health advocacy contact with credit
• A reference from a reputable organisation

• You will act as an advocate for clients, supporting them to explore their health needs and access appropriate care and support.
• Support may be provided over the phone or in person, depending on COVID restrictions.
• You may phone clients regularly to help them monitor their health and wellbeing. 
• You may support clients to register with GPs and book appointments. 
• You may support clients to communicate with other health services, such as pharmacies or mental health teams. 
• You may advise people about their rights and signpost them to specialist support organisations.
• You may accompany clients to appointments and support them to communicate their needs.
• You will update your supervisor after each session and report any information/advice/guidance that has been requested.
• You will report any concerns about safety. 

This role requires an enhanced DBS check but having a previous criminal record is not a barrier to volunteering. Similarly, some people may struggle to provide identity documents for DBS checks – this should not be a barrier to volunteering. 

We expect volunteers to comply with Crisis policies including health and safety, data protection and code of conduct at all times.

• Travel and lunch expenses are reimbursed where appropriate
• We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and from people with disabilities