At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients by advocating for their needs and addressing issues with public organisations.
- Company: Join POhWER, a dedicated team empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a cash wellbeing plan, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel around Hertfordshire; full training and qualification sponsorship provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in advocacy and communication.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping vulnerable adults; previous advocacy experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a difference in people\’s lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant Hertfordshire team!
Applying for this role is straight forward. Scroll down and click on Apply to be considered for this position.
The Independent Advocate is an integrated role covering the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act and Care Act statutory services, and NHS Complaints. Successful candidates will be expected to become proficient across all of these services, so we are looking for people with a passion and willingness to build on current experience and strive to continually develop.
Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.
Hours of Work: We can offer both full and part time hours working between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday as required. Please include details of your preference of the application, or request a discussion with the hiring manager.
Location: Home based with travel around the Hertfordshire area. Applicants should live in the Hertfordshire area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.
Salary: Full time salary £24,242.40 Per annum (Part time will be Pro Rata).
Contract Type: Permanent.
Independent Advocate Requirements
- Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
- Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
- Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.
- Previous experience of working with people with mental health, and or older people.
Desirable
- Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
- Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults affected by significant health and social care issues who find it difficult to speak up for themselves.
- Some knowledge of the Mental Health Act (MHA), and the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).
- Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
- Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 3 additional days leave.
- 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
- Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
- Auto enrolment Pension plan.
- Death in service cover.
Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients\’ best interests.
We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.
Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don\’t wait! Apply Now!
Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 6th March 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early).
An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
We\’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.
Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.
POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Independent Advocate employer: POhWER
Contact Detail:
POhWER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and Care Act. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to advocate effectively for clients.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the advocacy field, especially those who work with vulnerable adults. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities within organisations like ours.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by engaging in community activities or volunteering. This experience can highlight your ability to work with diverse groups and handle sensitive information, which is crucial for the Independent Advocate role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research POhWER and our mission to empower individuals. Tailoring your approach to align with our values during the interview process will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and how you can contribute to our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in advocacy, mental health, or social care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your communication skills and ability to work with vulnerable adults.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Mention your understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and Care Act, and how your skills align with the role's requirements.
Showcase Your IT Skills: Since the role requires excellent IT skills, mention your proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. If you have experience with client management databases, be sure to include that as well.
Highlight Flexibility and Independence: Emphasise your ability to work independently and manage a caseload efficiently. Provide examples of how you've successfully handled sensitive information and met tight deadlines in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at POhWER
✨Show Your Passion for Advocacy
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for making a difference in people's lives during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to advocacy, especially in mental health or social care contexts.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent verbal and written communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated on behalf of clients in the past. Be ready to discuss how you handle sensitive information and advocate for those who may struggle to speak up.
✨Highlight Your IT Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as any client management databases you might encounter. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how they can help you manage your caseload efficiently.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations involving vulnerable adults. Think about scenarios where you've had to navigate complex issues and how you approached them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.