Advocate

Advocate

Lincoln Full-Time 18000 - 27000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while navigating health and social care.
  • Company: VoiceAbility is a leading charity advocating for those in need, with over 40 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, remote work options, and a supportive professional development environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience in welfare or support services is preferred; passion for advocacy is essential.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and travel expenses covered for client visits.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 27000 £ per year.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need? Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for two new Advocates to join our team in Lincolnshire on a 12-month fixed term contract. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join our team covering Lincolnshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. This is a full-time role for 35 hours per week, applicants who do not hold the IAP or IAQ qualification will start on £22,500 per annum pro-rata.

About you

  • Some experience of working with young people advantageous and knowledge of Looked after children, Child in Need and Child protection processes advantageous.
  • The role will also necessitate limited work out of normal hours (week time only) to visit Children’s Homes to deliver face to face advocacy.
  • Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.
  • Preferably, you should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.

Professional Development

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.

Benefits:

  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service.
  • 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution.
  • Salary sacrifices pension scheme.
  • Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary).
  • Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc.
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance programme.
  • Access to remote counselling service.
  • Paid Disability Leave.
  • Paid compassionate Leave.
  • Home Working Allowance.
  • Support with continuous professional development.
  • Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development.
  • Personal Development Plans.

How are staff supported to work remotely?

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on our website. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 12pm Friday 4 April 2025 however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role? Please visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Advocate employer: VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they advocate for. With generous benefits such as 28 days annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous professional development, our team in Lincolnshire enjoys a fulfilling work environment that prioritises both personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that champions the voices of individuals in need, while enjoying the flexibility of home-based administration and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
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Contact Detail:

VoiceAbility Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Advocate

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the key principles of advocacy and the specific needs of the populations you will be working with, such as young people or those with communication barriers. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the advocacy field by attending relevant workshops or community events. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've supported individuals in need. Think about specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to empower others, as these are crucial for an Advocate.

✨Tip Number 4

Research VoiceAbility's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their approach to advocacy will allow you to align your answers with their ethos during the interview process, making you a more appealing candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Advocate

Empathy
Active Listening
Communication Skills
Advocacy Skills
Knowledge of Health and Social Care
Understanding of Child Protection Processes
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Work Independently
Time Management
Collaboration Skills
Creativity in Approach
Knowledge of Rights and Options for Clients
Experience with Vulnerable Populations
Flexibility in Working Hours
Transport Accessibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Advocate position at VoiceAbility.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in welfare, support, or health and social care. Emphasise any transferable skills and experiences that align with the role of an Advocate.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for advocacy and your desire to help those in need. Use specific examples from your work or volunteer experience to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you sign up for a recruitment account on the VoiceAbility website, upload your CV, and complete the application form as instructed. Double-check that all information is accurate before submitting your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility

✨Research VoiceAbility

Before your interview, take some time to learn about VoiceAbility's mission, values, and the specific advocacy services they provide. This will not only show your genuine interest in the organisation but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous work or volunteer experiences that relate to advocacy, welfare, or support services. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills can benefit the role of an Advocate, especially in working with young people or those with communication needs.

✨Show Empathy and Understanding

As an Advocate, empathy is key. During the interview, express your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals needing support. Share any personal stories or experiences that illustrate your ability to connect with and empower others.

✨Prepare Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Advocate
VoiceAbility
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  • Advocate

    Lincoln
    Full-Time
    18000 - 27000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-23

  • V

    VoiceAbility

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