At a Glance
- Tasks: Make a real difference by advocating for clients and addressing their needs.
- Company: Join POhWER, a passionate team dedicated to empowering individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for professional development and qualifications.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic role that impacts your community and supports vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for advocacy are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 25877 € 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!
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: 37 hours working between 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday as required. (We are also hiring for a part-time position so please include on the application if you would like to be considered)
Location: Home based with travel around the Hertfordshire area. (Applicants should live in the Hertfordshire area; have a full drivers licence and access to their own transport.)
Salary: Starting Salary £25,877.80 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 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.
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, Wednesday 13th May 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. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.
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.
Independent Advocate in Stevenage employer: POHWER
At POhWER, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering our team and the communities we serve. Our vibrant work culture in Hertfordshire fosters professional growth through comprehensive training and support, including full sponsorship for advocacy qualifications. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a cash wellbeing healthcare plan, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, we create a meaningful and rewarding environment for Independent Advocates to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Advocate in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research POhWER and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Independent Advocate, you'll need to articulate your thoughts clearly. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in delivering persuasive representations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former advocates on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insights into the role and may even give you a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining our vibrant Hertfordshire team!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Advocate in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at POhWER and how you can contribute to empowering individuals.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in advocacy or working with vulnerable adults. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of the Mental Health Act and similar areas, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us see your communication skills in action, which are super important for the Independent Advocate role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a bonus for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at POHWER
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, and Care Act. Understanding these laws will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for advocacy and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves delivering persuasive representations, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially when working with vulnerable individuals.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires adaptability, so be ready to discuss how you've handled changing situations in previous roles. Share specific instances where you successfully navigated challenges or adjusted your approach to meet client needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation and its advocacy work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of empowering individuals.
