At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower families by advocating for their needs and supporting them in navigating disability services.
- Company: A dedicated organisation with over 25 years of experience in family support and advocacy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, regular training, and the chance to make a real difference in lives.
- Other info: Work from home and engage with diverse communities in Hammersmith and Fulham.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape services that truly matter to families.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy and understanding of social care or special education needs.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are a long-established organisation dedicated to supporting families of childrenand young people with disabilities.
We were founded over 25 years ago- a milestonethat reflects our enduring commitment to advocacy, empowerment, coproduction, and peer support.
Originally operating under the umbrella of HF Mencap, we became an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023.
Hammersmith and Fulham awarded uswith a Civic Honour in April 2025, in recognition of our impact and dedication.
Our small but dynamic team works passionately to support parents and carers innavigating the often-complex world of disability services.
Through personalisedadvocacy, accessible information, and regular activities such as coffee mornings training and information sessions, we create safe, welcoming spaces where familiescan connect, learn, and feel heard.
We play a central role in service development and co-production across our area, ensuring that the voices of parents and carers shape the services their children depend on. From influencing policy to supporting individual families, we are proud tobe a trusted source of guidance, strength, and community.
About the Role
Are you enthusiastic about empowering families and ensuring access to the right support? We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Parent Carer Advocate to support Families of Children/young people with Disabilities.
- Job Summary
- To support and advocate for parents/carers of disabled children aged up to 25years old and resident in London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
- To support parents/carers to express their views and wishes regarding theservices they receive for their children/young people.
- To support parents and carers at relevant meetings for their child.
- To promote social inclusion and equality.
You will work from home and in community venues within Hammersmith and Fulham, working closely with families and community partners to reduce isolation, promote access to entitlements, and support informed decision-making.
We are Looking for someone who
- Has experience providing advice or advocacy to individuals in a community or voluntary sector setting.
- Has a knowledge and understanding of at least two of the following areas:
- Adult/children social care
- Special Education Needs and knowledge of the Children and Families Act
- Health (including mental health services, Continuing Health Care)
- Understands the challenges faced by families of children/adults with disabilities.
- Can build trust with diverse communities and communicate clearly and empathetically.
- Can maintain accurate case records and work with safeguarding procedures.
What We Offer
- Supportive, flexible working environment
- Regular supervision and training opportunities
- The chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Full Job Description and Person Specification
https://parentsactive. org. uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Parent-Carer-Advocate-Job-description. pdf
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Parent Carer Advocate employer: Parentsactive CIC
As a Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering families of children with disabilities, we offer a supportive and flexible working environment that prioritises employee growth through regular supervision and training opportunities. Our dynamic team fosters a culture of compassion and collaboration, ensuring that every advocate can make a meaningful impact in the lives of families within the Hammersmith and Fulham community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parent Carer 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 Parentsactive CIC.
✨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 Parentsactive CIC!
✨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 Parentsactive CIC, 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 Parentsactive CIC 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 Parent Carer 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 Parentsactive CIC:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Parentsactive CIC! 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 Parentsactive CIC
✨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.
