Trainee Advocate

Location: Field-based (Islington)

Contract: Permanent, Part-Time (17.5 Hours)

Salary: £12,007.84 pro rata (plus £1500 London Allowance)

About The Role

• You’ll work directly with people accessing health and social care services—supporting them to have their voice heard and ensuring their rights are upheld.
• From Day One, shadow experienced advocates and build hands-on experience.
• Learn how to deliver instructed and non-instructed advocacy.
• Support people across a range of settings, including hospitals, care homes, supported living and the community.
• Develop your own caseload as your confidence grows.

This is a field-based role, so you’ll manage your own diary, travel across Islington, and plan visits effectively. You’ll gain exposure to different types of advocacy, which may include:

• IMHA (Independent Mental Health Advocacy)
• IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy)
• Community and Care Act advocacy
• Children and Young People advocacy
• Paid Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) work

What You’ll Be Doing

• Empower people to understand their rights and make informed decisions.
• Support individuals to express their views and wishes.
• Promote independence and self-advocacy.
• Ensure people’s voices are heard in care planning and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality case records and reports.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Work within key legislation including the Mental Capacity Act and related frameworks.
• Build strong relationships with professionals, carers and services.
• Help raise awareness of advocacy through outreach and engagement sessions.

What We’re Looking For

• You don’t need prior advocacy experience—we’re looking for people with the right values, motivation and potential.
• Are passionate about supporting people to have their voice heard.
• Are willing to complete the Level 4 Advocacy qualification.
• Have strong communication skills and can adapt your approach to different needs.
• Can build positive, professional relationships with a wide range of people.
• Are organised and able to manage your own time and workload.
• Work in a person-centred, non-judgemental and inclusive way.
• Have transferable skills, lived experience or experience in health, social care or related settings.

You’ll Also Need To

• Be able to travel across Islington and occasionally further afield.
• Be comfortable using IT systems to manage casework and records.

What You’ll Get In Return

• Structured training and support to achieve your Level 4 qualification.
• Regular supervision, coaching and reflective practice.
• The opportunity to progress into a qualified Advocate role.
• A flexible, field-based role with autonomy over your schedule.
• The chance to be part of a passionate, supportive team.

Benefits

• Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
• Wellbeing Support: Access our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and the Unmind mental health app.
• Recognition & Rewards: Enjoy discounts, cashback offers, and celebrate achievements through our PULSE platform.
• Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
• Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
• Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds. Applicants with lived experience of mental illness, LGBTQIA+ identities, neurodiverse, disabled or hidden disability status, or from ethnically diverse backgrounds are especially welcome.