Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health)

You will join a newly established Advocacy and Advice Service supporting children, young people and their families to navigate education, health and benefits systems. Families often face unclear pathways, complex processes and inconsistent information. Your role is to bring clarity, structure and confidence at key moments.

Working in a strengths-based and relational way, you will help families understand their rights, prepare for key decisions and access the support they need. This is a non-statutory role. You will not replace legal or statutory services, but you will ensure families are informed, prepared and able to engage effectively. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to a joined-up, whole-family approach across Children & Family Services.

At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive. We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.

Your day to day tasks will include:

• Work directly with families to understand their situation, priorities and goals.
• Support navigation of SEND pathways, including SEN Support and EHCP processes.
• Help families prepare for meetings with schools, local authorities and professionals.
• Provide guidance on benefits such as DLA, PIP and Carer’s Allowance.
• Explain complex systems clearly and practically.
• Support families to gather evidence and take next steps with confidence.
• Maintain accurate case records and manage timelines effectively.
• Work closely with colleagues across social work, therapy and family support.
• Build strong relationships with external partners including schools and local authorities.

Qualifications, Training and Experience:

You will bring:

• Experience working with children, young people or families in an advocacy, advice, education, health or social care setting.
• Experience supporting individuals to navigate complex systems.
• Knowledge of SEND processes, including EHCP pathways.
• Understanding of disability-related benefits such as DLA, PIP or Carer’s Allowance.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Strong organisation and case management skills.
• A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and empower others.

It would strengthen your application if you have:

• Experience supporting EHCP applications, reviews or mediation.
• Training in SEND law, welfare rights or advocacy.
• Experience within advice or advocacy services.
• Understanding of health pathways and therapy services.

We believe great support starts with great staff. We offer:

• Fully funded induction and ongoing training.
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays + Jewish Festival & Holy Days (pro rata for part time).
• Enhanced parental pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cash plan covering dental, optical and therapy treatments, plus virtual GP access via My Medicash.
• Blue Light Card access.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus.
• Career development pathway.
• Free on-site parking.
• A supportive, experienced team and management culture.

Norwood’s Children and Family Services support neurodivergent children and young people and those with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives. We provide a range of therapeutic, practical and emotional support, including short breaks for young people, parent educational courses, workshops and peer support groups. Everything we do is shaped around the individual: their interests, needs and potential. Whether it’s through play, support or learning, we believe every child and their families should have the chance to be themselves, have fun, and thrive as individuals and as a unit.

Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, and young people we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with OFSTED, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.

At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.