Self-Advocacy Coordinator, Learning Disability

Self-Advocacy Project Coordinator (West Sussex)

Location: Home-based/Hybrid with regular travel across West Sussex

Reporting to: Self-Advocacy Team Leader

Brighton & Hove Speak Out is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Project Coordinator to lead the development of the self-advocacy groups and events for people with learning disabilities across West Sussex.

This is an exciting new role for someone who believes in the power of self-advocacy and wants to support people with learning disabilities to have their voices heard, influence decision-making and create positive change in their communities.

Working alongside self-advocates with learning disabilities, colleagues and community partners, you will help establish and grow user-led self-advocacy network, supporting groups and co-delivering advocacy training across West Sussex, supporting people to take on leadership roles, and strengthen a county-wide movement for inclusion, participation and rights.

About the role

Working alongside Speak Out colleagues in Brighton and Hove, you will lead the development of self-advocacy opportunities across West Sussex, including:

• Establishing new self-advocacy groups in the Bognor & Chichester and Mid Sussex areas.
• Supporting self-advocates with learning disabilities to deliver self-advocacy training to other people with learning disabilities in West Sussex.
• Supporting a Project Worker with the continued growth of the existing SpeakAbout Worthing group.
• Supporting self-advocates to identify issues that matter to them and take action through campaigning, awareness-raising and influencing activities. Also encouraging people with learning disabilities to develop confidence, leadership skills and greater influence over decisions affecting their lives.
• Building strong relationships with community groups, service providers and key local stakeholders.
• Delivering outreach and engagement activities to increase participation in self-advocacy.
• Running events in partnerhship with Speak Out's Learning Disability Voices Network in Brighton

This role offers a fantastic opportunity to help create a stronger, more connected self-advocacy movement across Sussex.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities.
• Has experience of supporting people to participate, contribute and have their voices heard.
• Has experience facilitating groups, workshops, training, and meetings.
• Is skilled at building relationships and partnerships with a wide range of people and organisations.
• Can motivate and encourage others to develop confidence, skills and leadership.
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Is able to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, accessibility and inclusive practice.
• Is willing to travel across West Sussex and occasionally work evenings or weekends.

We particularly welcome applications from people with experience in advocacy, self-advocacy, community development, rights-based work, learning disability services, volunteering or community engagement.

Why work for Speak Out?

As well as being part of a project that changes lives, we offer:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally possible
• Pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive team environment
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities across Sussex

About Brighton & Hove Speak Out

Brighton & Hove Speak Out is an independent advocacy charity supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities. We work to ensure people with learning disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to speak up, influence decisions, understand their rights and participate fully in their communities.

How to Apply

Please download an application pack from Speak Out's website