Female Advocacy Officer

Yolk Recruitment Public Sector and Not-for-Profit is thrilled to be selected as the recruitment partner for Women Connect First, a registered charity motivated by the ethos of community development and social justice, to appoint a dedicated and empathetic Female Advocacy Officer*

* Due to the nature of the role, which involves providing direct advocacy and support to older women who may have experienced trauma, isolation, and discrimination, this position is open to female applicants only, as permitted under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1) as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.

The Opportunity:

You will be joining the Golden Years Plus project, which empowers older women (65+) from Black, Asian, and other Minority Ethnic communities in Wales who are experiencing financial hardship.

As a key member of the team, you will support these women in securing the financial support they are entitled to, while also helping to protect them from unfair costs.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a project that directly impacts the lives of disadvantaged older women and to be part of a passionate team committed to social justice and community development.

You'll provide one-to-one advocacy, help navigate complex benefits systems, support independent living, and work closely with communities to deliver culturally sensitive services.

This is a 3 year project funded post, offering 21 hours per week across 4 days, based at their office in Riverside, Cardiff.

Responsibilities:

• Advocacy and Support: Provide one-to-one advice and advocacy to older women from ethnic minority communities, ensuring their voices are heard on issues related to financial stability, housing, healthcare, and social services.
• Financial Stability Assistance: Help clients navigate complex financial systems, including pension credits, housing benefits, and other entitlements, to maximize their financial support.
• Independent Living Support: Work with clients to address challenges related to independent living, such as mobility aids, housing options, and healthcare services, ensuring they maintain independence in their own homes.
• Community Outreach & Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with local community organisations, social services, and other stakeholders, ensuring clients have access to relevant services and opportunities. Organise workshops, events, and information sessions to raise awareness about financial and living support.
• Cultural Competence: Ensure that all advocacy and support provided is culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of older women from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Maintain accurate case records, monitor outcomes, and prepare reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

What You'll Bring:

• Experience in advocacy, social work, or community outreach
• Understanding of the challenges faced by older ethnic minority women
• Knowledge of welfare and benefits systems (e.g. pension credit, housing benefit)
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A high level of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by older women from ethnic communities, including cultural sensitivities.
• Fluency in a community language (such as Arabic, Somali, Punjabi, etc.) is highly desirable but not essential.

How to Apply:

Please note, Yolk Recruitment are managing this recruitment campaign.

For a confidential discussion and to access the full job description and application form, please contact Hannah Welfoot at Yolk Recruitment.

Closing date: Friday, 25th April 2025

Interview date: Wednesday, 7th May 2025

Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.