Client Advocacy
Advocate for rights of client groups and services
Type
Functional
Competency Area
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
Levels
Advocate empowerment of clients and caregivers for routine cases
Identify strengths and resources of clients
Conduct interviews and meetings with individuals to determine the need for advocacy and representation
Advocate inclusion and consideration to promote client-centred care with relevant stakeholders
Identify the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that affect the clients’ intervention plans
Advise clients on available resources to support their treatments
Identify and apply appropriate funding for specific client groups based on existing healthcare policies
Advocate and endorse individual consumer rights to access the services provided
Identify environmental factors that affect client intervention plans and efficacy of interventions
Negotiate with relevant external stakeholders to provide support to clients in their homes, schools and workplaces
Advocate empowerment of clients and caregivers for complex and/or escalated cases.
Help clients identify the external barriers that may affect their intervention plans
Advise clients and caregivers of their eligibilities and rights to funding and clinical services respectively
Mentor junior staff on the right avenues and techniques for advocacy
Develop systems of networks with external stakeholders to provide client advocacy
Educate relevant community stakeholders about concerns related to persistent problems
Advocate for implementation of community based resources that meet the needs of consumers
Assess the effects of therapist’s interactions with the community
Develop advocacy frameworks for different groups of people
Identify staff who require formal training in client advocacy
Collaborate with principal educators to develop advocacy programmes and/or to plan for staff training in advocacy
Identify possible barriers to client advocacy
Develop strategies to overcome these barriers to client advocacy
Influence the sector to promote stronger rights for client population groups and services
Assess the impact of public policies on service planning and delivery
Influence and advocate at national- or cluster- wide level decision- making to consider the requirements of clients in relation to service planning and delivery
Communicate research findings and rationales for systemic changes
Establish and maintain alliances with relevant organisations for client advocacy
Identify existing opportunities where interests can be promoted and represented
Advocate funding for specific client groups based on existing healthcare policies