Open Theatre, Closing date: 29 September

We are seeking an experienced Welfare Advocate to empower artists we work with and support them to improve their confidence and capability. Closing date for applications - 29 September 2023.

Job Title:
Welfare Advocate

Responsible to:
Associate Director

Key working relationships:
Director / Associate Director / Producer / practitioners / artists / partner organisations

Hours & Salary:
Part time (24 hours per week) / £17,100 pro rata (i.e. £28,560 per annum FTE)

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).

We are 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.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

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

Why Open Theatre?
We Do Difference Differently
Open Theatre has been transforming the lives of young people with learning disabilities (YPWLD) for over 30 years. We use nonverbal physical theatre to collaborate with YPWLD, creating quality art which reflects and celebrates their unique creativity. We wholeheartedly believe in the ability of YPWLD to contribute to the creative and culture life of the places where they live, and work as advocates for their valued involvement as artists and leaders.
It's a really exciting time to join us as we embark on delivering an ambitious 3-year strategy in line with our Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding.
We’d love you to be part of the journey!

If you want to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please take a look at the job description and person specification on our website: www.opentheatre.co.uk/careers.