At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults with health and social care challenges through advocacy and representation.
- Company: Join POhWER, a dedicated organisation empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a cash wellbeing plan, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and IT proficiency; advocacy experience is a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided, including sponsorship for advocacy qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Gloucester!
As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.
Hours of Work: 1x Part-Time: 18.50 hours, working between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday. (We are also open to Full-time positions for this post; please specify this on your application and we are happy to discuss this further)
Location: Home based with travel around the Gloucester area. (Applicants should live in the Gloucester area; have a full driver's licence and access to their own transport.)
Salary: Part-time Salary £12,121.20 Per Annum (Full-time Salary equivalent £24,242.40 per annum)
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Independent Advocate Requirements:
- Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
- Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
- Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
- Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
- Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years' service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 year's service!
- Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
- 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
- Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
- Auto enrolment Pension plan.
- Death in service cover.
- Bike to work scheme.
Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.
We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.
Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!
Closing Date: 9am, Monday 14th July 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
Interview Date: TBC
For an informal discussion please contact Community Manager, Danielle Vale.
An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.
Independent Advocate employer: Talent.AI
Contact Detail:
Talent.AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local organisations and services in Gloucester that work with vulnerable adults. Understanding the landscape will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your advocacy skills by engaging in relevant workshops or online courses. This will enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your proactive approach to personal development, which is highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former advocates in the field. They can provide insights into the role and share experiences that could be beneficial for your application and interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've successfully advocated for someone or resolved a conflict. Being able to share specific examples will make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Independent Advocate role. Focus on your communication skills, time management, and any previous work with vulnerable adults or in advocacy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role and why you are a great fit for POhWER.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to advocacy or social care, be sure to mention them. If you are working towards the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification, include this information to show your commitment to professional development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread both your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent.AI
✨Show Your Passion for Advocacy
Make sure to express your genuine passion for making a difference in people's lives during the interview. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a role in advocacy, as this will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication skills, prepare to showcase your ability to articulate thoughts clearly. Practice answering questions concisely and confidently, and consider using examples from past experiences where you successfully communicated on behalf of others.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Organisations
Research public and voluntary organisations relevant to the role. Being knowledgeable about these entities will not only show your initiative but also help you discuss how you can effectively collaborate with them to support clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle sensitive information. Think of specific situations where you had to advocate for someone or manage a challenging case, and be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.