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- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while travelling across Edinburgh.
- Company: Join VoiceAbility, a leading charity advocating for those in need for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, remote work options, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and empower them to be heard.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare, support, or health and social care is desirable.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with travel expenses covered.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh (travel across the area, home based for administration)
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
All applications by Midday on 28th April 2025; however, we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.
Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need? Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.
We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in the Edinburgh area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.
About us
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join and shape this service covering Edinburgh. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing support. You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.
How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support. You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support. You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service
- 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution
- Salary sacrifices pension scheme
- Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance programme
- Access to remote counselling service
- Paid Disability Leave
- Paid compassionate Leave
- Support with continuous professional development
- Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development
- Personal Development Plans
How are staff supported to work remotely?
VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs). VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.
Equality and Diversity
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.
How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. Closing date for applications; Midday on 28th April 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date. Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification. Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.
Contact Detail:
VoiceAbility Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of advocacy and the specific needs of the client groups you will be working with. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the advocacy and social care sectors. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to opportunities at VoiceAbility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've supported individuals in need. Think about how you empowered them, respected their choices, and navigated challenges, as these examples will resonate well during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and willingness to learn. Highlight any experiences where you've had to adjust your approach to meet diverse communication needs or support requirements, as this is crucial for an Advocate role.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Advocate position. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of advocacy work and how it impacts individuals in need.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in welfare, support, or health and social care. Emphasise any transferable skills and specific examples that demonstrate your ability to advocate for others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your experiences align with the role. Use specific examples from your work, personal, or voluntary experiences to illustrate your suitability for the Advocate position.
Review the Person Specification: Carefully read the person specification provided in the job listing. Make sure to address each criterion in your application, showcasing how your skills and experiences meet their expectations.
How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility
✨Understand the Role of an Advocate
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of what advocacy entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the clients you will be supporting and how to effectively communicate their wishes. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work or volunteer experiences in welfare, support, or health and social care. Use specific examples to illustrate how your skills are transferable to the Advocate position. Highlight any situations where you empowered individuals or helped them navigate complex systems.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As an Advocate, strong communication and empathy are crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively listened to others and advocated for their needs. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and compassionately, as this will reflect your ability to connect with clients.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation and the role. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they measure success in advocacy. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.