At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young women and girls facing challenges like domestic abuse and exploitation.
- Company: Advance Charity, a feminist organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls.
- Benefits: 30 days paid holiday, employee discounts, career development, and enhanced maternity provisions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young women while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting young women, understanding trauma-informed approaches, and risk management skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you! We are looking for two Nest Advocates to join a specialist service for young women and girls in London (aged 14 to 25) at risk of domestic abuse, school exclusion, exploitation, gang involvement and contact with the criminal justice system.
Salary: £28,000- £32,000 pro rata
Location: Hammersmith, Finsbury Park and Stratford
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term until 30th September 2027
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role
In recognition of the distinct challenges facing young women and girls, Advance has joined Together Women to develop a specialist provision for young women and girls in the Nest programme. The Nest Service is designed to enable young women and girls to escape harm and to thrive in their lives and aspirations, by supporting them to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience, manage their health and wellbeing and access and engage with other support services. In addition to dedicated advocacy support, they will be able to access a programme of prevention and awareness-raising groups and workshops run out of Advance Women’s Centres.
As an Advocate you will work one-to-one with each participant over an extended period. You will build trusted relationships and coordinate practical support across the areas that most affect young women’s stability and future prospects - including education, housing, health, employment and interaction with justice services.
About You
To be successful as the Nest Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:
- A strong understanding of the challenges facing young women and girls, including the impacts of gang involvement, exploitation, mental health, domestic abuse and contact with the criminal justice system, and of the practical and emotional support needs specific to this group, including education, confidence and relationship-building.
- Knowledge of trauma informed, gendered approaches in supporting young women facing multiple forms of disadvantage.
- Current knowledge of legislation, guidance and regulations relating to safeguarding, child protection and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSE).
- Experience of using motivational interviewing and coaching techniques with young women and girls, using a woman-centred approach to build trust and rapport.
- Experience of risk management, needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with young women and girls with complex/multiple needs.
How to apply
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 23rd August 2026
Interviews are taking place on: w/c 24th August 2026
Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Nest Advocate Criminal Justice System · Hammersmith, Finsbury Park, Stratford · in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Advance Charity
Advance Charity is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women and girls, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and accountability. With generous benefits including 30 days of paid holiday, enhanced maternity provisions, and career development pathways, employees are encouraged to grow within a community-focused environment. Located in Hammersmith, this role provides the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women navigating the criminal justice system while working alongside passionate professionals in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nest Advocate Criminal Justice System · Hammersmith, Finsbury Park, Stratford · in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Advance Charity.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Advance Charity!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Advance Charity, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Advance Charity or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Nest Advocate Criminal Justice System · Hammersmith, Finsbury Park, Stratford · in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Advance Charity:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Advance Charity! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
