Hopeline247 Suicide Prevention Adviser– Warrington

We're seeking an experienced Welfare Advocate to empower artists we work with and support them to improve their confidence and capability, including in relation to the effective management of their finance and compliance with benefit systems. 

You’ll be joining Open Theatre at a crucial time. We have big ambitions for the next three years of Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding, and young people with learning disabilities (YPWLD) sit at the heart of everything we do.

The main focus of the role is to support and empower YPWLD to voice their wishes and feelings, and to become fully involved in key decisions about their lives. You’ll be helping young people to navigate the complexities of the benefits system, supporting them to have a leadership role within the company, and working with partner organisations to unlock access for our artists to support, benefits and advice.

About YOU:  

You’re:

• An approachable and empathetic person who cares deeply about supporting and empowering young people with learning disabilities and getting to know artists as individuals
• An excellent communicator at all levels
• Experienced in support work, advocacy, social services, benefit systems or similar
• Really knowledgeable about Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment & Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Access to Work procedures
• Tenacious and thorough in your approach, with first-class attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and manage your own workload
• Committed to respecting individual’s confidentiality
• Tuned in to case law, the effects of welfare reform and forthcoming changes

Location: Home-based with regular attendance at team meetings and events in Birmingham and Coventry. 

Contract period: 12-month Fixed Term Contract with the possibility of being made permanent (initial 3-month probation)