Independent Advocate

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 Hertfordshire team!

The Independent Advocate is an integrated role covering the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act and Care Act statutory services, and NHS Complaints. Successful candidates will be expected to become proficient across all of these services, so we are looking for people with a passion and willingness to build on current experience and strive to continually develop.

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

• Full and part-time hours available, 9am‑5pm Monday to Friday as required.
• Please include details of your preference in your application or request a discussion with the hiring manager.

Location

Home based with travel around the Hertfordshire area. (Applicants should live in Hertfordshire, have a full driver\’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Salary

Full-time salary £24,242.40 per annum (part-time salary pro rata).

Contract Type

Permanent.

Independent Advocate Requirements

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including 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.
• Previous experience working with people with mental health needs, and/or older people.

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 affected by significant health and social care issues who find it difficult to speak up for themselves.
• Some knowledge of the Mental Health Act (MHA) and the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 5 years service), with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave and your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 year service.
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 3 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan covering optical/dental/alternative therapy and more.
• Auto enrolment pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation

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 expects advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Closing Date

9AM, Friday 6th March 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early).

Additional Requirements

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position. Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

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.

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.

Apply Now

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don\’t wait! Apply now!