At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for children's rights and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making.
- Company: Join a supportive service dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience, plus strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35520 - 38739 £ per year.
Be the voice that helps young people be heard. We’re looking for a passionate advocate to make sure children and young people in Havering are genuinely listened to—and that their wishes and feelings shape the decisions that affect their lives. You’ll join a supportive service that’s part of our People directorate, where we’re committed to helping residents stay safe and well.
As a Children’s Rights Advocate, you will provide independent advocacy to children and young people who are care‑experienced or subject to Child Protection Plans, working in line with the Children Act 1989 and Advocacy National Standards. You’ll sit within Starting Well (Early Help & Targeted Family Support) and report to the Volunteer Advocacy & Independent Visitor Lead.
Key responsibilities:- Hold and manage a caseload of children and young people who require advocacy.
- Champion each young person’s voice—ensuring their wishes and feelings are front and centre in all decisions.
- Provide non‑instructed advocacy for children with SEND and/or complex communication needs, producing clear, analytical non‑instructed reports to agreed timescales.
- Help children and young people understand their rights, statutory guidance and local processes so they can make well‑informed decisions.
- Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records on the Council’s children's recording system and work confidently with digital tools.
- Liaise closely with social workers, Personal Advisers, schools and other professionals to secure the best outcomes.
- Support young people to use the Council’s complaints procedures and those of partner agencies.
- Champion Havering’s pledge to children in care and promote the advocacy offer across Starting Well and the wider Council.
- Work flexibly with regular travel across (and outside) the borough, and occasional sessions outside normal office hours.
You are values driven, Child Centred, and confident communicating with a wide range of people.
Qualifications:- Degree level education (Level 6) or equivalent experience.
- Experience working directly with children and young people across varied settings.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication—with the ability to explain complex issues simply and sensitively.
- Strong digital skills, including Microsoft 365 and children’s case management systems (e.g., Liquidlogic).
- Sound knowledge of legislation and guidance: Children Act 1989, Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, Children and Families Act 2014, and current policy for Children Looked After and Care Leavers.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high‑quality direct work with children—including those with SEND or complex communication needs.
Children's Rights Advocate employer: London Borough of Havering
Join a dedicated team in Havering that prioritises the voices of children and young people, ensuring they are heard and their needs are met. As a Children's Rights Advocate, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values your contributions and offers opportunities for professional growth within the People directorate. With a focus on meaningful advocacy and collaboration with various professionals, this role provides a unique chance to make a real difference in the lives of care-experienced youth while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Rights Advocate
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like London Borough of Havering, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at London Borough of Havering. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through London Borough of Havering's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Rights Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at London Borough of Havering. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at London Borough of Havering.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Havering
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with London Borough of Havering.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Children's Rights Advocate at London Borough of Havering.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show London Borough of Havering that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Children's Rights Advocate role.
