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 in London employer: London Borough of Havering
As a Children's Rights Advocate in Havering, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises the voices of young people, ensuring their needs and rights are at the forefront of decision-making. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering opportunities to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With a commitment to values-driven advocacy and flexible working arrangements, we provide an enriching environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Havering Recruitment Team
