At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in navigating education, health, and benefits systems while preparing for key decisions.
- Company: Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK, founded in 1795, focusing on neurodiverse children.
- Benefits: Enjoy 21 days annual leave, enhanced parental pay, and a health cash plan covering various treatments.
- Other info: This role involves working 21 hours per week as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference every day by empowering families and supporting their unique needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy or social care, knowledge of SEND processes, and strong communication skills required.
Hours: 21 Hours per week
Interviews: 30th June & 1st July, 2026
About the Role
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.
About Norwood
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives. 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
- 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
Reward and Benefits
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
A bit more information
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.
Disclaimer
At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates.
Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health). Job in Leigh Education & Training Jobs employer: Norwood
Norwood offers a supportive environment with fully funded training and a career development pathway. Located in Leigh, they focus on empowering neurodivergent children and their families. Join a team that values kindness, respect, and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health). Job in Leigh Education & Training Jobs
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Norwood. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Norwood directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Norwood’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health). Job in Leigh Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health). Job in Leigh Education & Training Jobs at Norwood, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Advocate (Education, Benefits & Health). Job in Leigh Education & Training Jobs, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Norwood. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Norwood
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Norwood. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Norwood's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
