At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower adults by advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Blackpool Advocacy Hub making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, supportive team culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Multiple positions available with travel across Lancashire; drop-in sessions for more info.
- Why this job: Be the voice for those who need it most and create meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy or support roles, strong communication skills, and a commitment to equality.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are seeking motivated and values-driven individuals to join our adult advocacy team. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference by ensuring adults’ voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their wishes are central to decisions about their lives.
The role covers all five statutory strands of independent advocacy:
- IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy)
- Care Act Advocacy
- Health Complaints Advocacy
- RPR (Relevant Person’s Representative under DoLS)
You will stand alongside adults at some of the most important points in their lives, empowering them to express their views or ensuring their rights and best interests are fully represented.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver statutory advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, DoLS, and NHS Complaints procedures.
- Support people to understand their rights, express their views, and participate in decision‑making.
- Represent the wishes and perspectives of individuals when they cannot advocate for themselves.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with adults across a wide range of settings (e.g., hospitals, care homes, community).
- Knowledge of at least one of the statutory advocacy frameworks (IMCA, IMHA, Care Act, RPR, or Health Complaints).
- Experience of supporting adults in health, social care, or community settings.
- Strong listening and communication skills, including with people who use non‑verbal communication.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a supportive, team culture.
- Commitment to safeguarding and equality.
- To drive and have use of a vehicle.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 4th March 2026. Interviews will take place on Thursday 12th March & Friday 13th March 2026. There are multiple opportunities available for this role, one of which requires travel across Lancashire. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview.
Got questions or want to learn more about the role? Come along to our drop‑in session on Wednesday 25th February between 4:00pm and 6:30pm at The Empowerment Base, 333 Bispham Road, FY2 0HH. Alternatively, you can arrange a 1:1 conversation by emailing us at makeareferral@blackpooladvocacyhub.org.uk.
Independent Advocate employer: Empowerment Charity
As a Lived Experience Volunteer Coordinator with us in Blackpool, you'll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. We prioritise a supportive work culture that values personal experiences and fosters growth, offering opportunities for professional development and training. Join us to empower others while enjoying a fulfilling role that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Advocate
✨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 Empowerment 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 Empowerment 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 Empowerment 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 Empowerment 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 Independent Advocate
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 Empowerment Charity:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Empowerment 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 Empowerment 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.
