At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults with health and social care challenges through advocacy.
- Company: Join POhWER, a dedicated organisation empowering individuals to have their voices heard.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, wellbeing healthcare, and a bike-to-work scheme!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others; advocacy experience is a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided, including sponsorship for advocacy qualifications.
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 team in Berkshire!
As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. 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: 2x Full Time: 37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Location: Office based at Broadmoor Hospital. (Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)
Salary: Full time starting salary £24242.40 per annum
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.
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.
- 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 4 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.
- Bike to work scheme.
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 with your CV and Cover letter!
Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 16th May 2025 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
Interview Date: 29th & 30th May 2025
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. 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 member of the Disability confidence scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
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 key responsibilities of an Independent Advocate. Understanding the nuances of advocacy, especially in health and social care, will help you articulate your passion and suitability for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the advocacy field. Attend local events or join online forums related to health and social care advocacy. This can provide valuable insights and connections that may enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills. Think of examples that showcase your ability to support vulnerable adults and work collaboratively with organisations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research POhWER and their mission. Being knowledgeable about the organisation's values and services will allow you to align your answers with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their cause.
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 in advocacy, health, and 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 how your skills align with the role of Independent Advocate and provide examples of your previous work in similar environments.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to advocacy or social care, be sure to mention them. If you are working towards the City and Guilds IAP qualification, include this in your application to show your commitment to professional development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at POhWER
✨Show Your Passion for Advocacy
Make sure to express your genuine passion for making a difference in people's lives. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in advocacy, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Be ready to discuss situations where you had to advocate for someone or resolve conflicts through clear dialogue.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Organisations
Research public and voluntary organisations relevant to the role. Understanding their missions and how they collaborate with advocates will show your commitment and readiness to work within the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive information. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies in these situations.