At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their views and navigating social security processes.
- Company: Leading Scottish charity dedicated to advocacy and support.
- Benefits: 4-day work week, 30.5 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with travel across allocated areas.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in support roles and strong communication skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28056 - 28056 £ per year.
RECRUITMENTiQ is working in partnership with a leading Scottish charity to assist in their search for Advocates across Scotland. Positions are available in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute, Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Midlothian, Na H Eileanana Siar 0.5fte, North Ayrshire, Orkney 0.5fte, and Renfrewshire.
The dedicated Advocates will join the In-Person Advocacy team, helping people across Scotland engage with individuals who need support to express their views, understand information, and talk through decisions. As an In-Person Advocate, you will meet customers face-to-face in community settings and in their own homes. You will provide one-to-one advocacy to help people prepare for and take part in benefit applications, redeterminations, and appeals, ensuring that they feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
You will also be responsible for completing forms, taking minutes, producing reports, and keeping comprehensive case notes. In addition to being in the community, the roles will be office or home based for administration depending on geographical location, but there will be a requirement for travel across your allocated area. A full driving licence and access to your own transport are essential.
About you
- Believes everyone has the right to be heard and treated with dignity and respect.
- Has experience supporting people through advice, welfare, social care, or community-based roles.
- Can communicate clearly, build trust, and work sensitively with people facing challenging circumstances.
- Is organised, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently.
- Is willing to learn and gain a qualification in independent advocacy (if not already held).
- Has a good standard of written English.
- Good IT skills.
- Experience in advocacy is an advantage but not required.
Full training and professional development will be provided.
What you'll do
- Provide independent advocacy to people accessing Social Security Scotland services.
- Help customers understand processes, make informed choices, and express their views.
- Support individuals to prepare for meetings, assessments, and appeals.
- Represent their wishes and ensure their rights are respected at every stage.
- Keep clear, accurate records in line with service standards and data protection requirements.
What We Offer:
- 4 Day working week.
- A supportive, forward-thinking working environment.
- 30.5 days annual leave.
- Employer pension contributions.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
Equality and inclusion
We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. If you require adjustments or alternative ways to apply, please let us know; we're happy to help.
Salary: £28,056.17 per annum (full-time equivalent). For part-time roles, salary will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
To Apply
Please apply by attaching your CV and a tailored covering letter clearly stating which local authority area(s) you wish to work in.
Locations
Advocates - In Person in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian employer: RECRUITMENTiQ
As an employer in the aircraft industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture in Hungerford. Our team is dedicated to employee growth, offering opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects while working alongside talented colleagues who share your passion. Join us for a rewarding career where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocates - In Person in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
✨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 RECRUITMENTiQ.
✨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 RECRUITMENTiQ!
✨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 RECRUITMENTiQ, 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 RECRUITMENTiQ 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 Advocates - In Person in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
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 RECRUITMENTiQ:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to RECRUITMENTiQ! 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 RECRUITMENTiQ
✨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.
