What distinguishes the advocate role from the broker role?

The advocate role is distinguished from the broker role primarily through its focus on the recipient of services. Advocates prioritize the needs and rights of individuals receiving services, often emphasizing their empowerment and access to resources. They work closely with clients to ensure they understand their options and to help them navigate complex systems, often fighting for their rights and addressing systemic barriers.

In contrast, the broker role generally involves connecting individuals with services and resources but may not engage in the same level of personal advocacy for the client’s needs. Brokers facilitate access and make referrals but do not necessarily engage deeply in the individual's situation to the extent that advocates do. The primary motivation for advocates is often the well-being and autonomy of the service recipients, rather than just the delivery of services.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify why the advocate's role leans heavily on the individual’s experience and needs, while the broker role is more transactional, focusing on the logistics of service provision.