At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while travelling across Sunderland.
- Company: Join VoiceAbility, a leading charity advocating for those in need for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, 28 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with a fixed term of 6 months; applications close on 23rd March 2025.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and empower them to be heard.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare or support services is preferred; passion for advocacy is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 22500 £ per year.
Job Description
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 have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Sunderland. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.
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. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and 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.
Professional Development?
You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.
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)
Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc
24/7 Employee Assistance programme
Access to remote counselling service
Paid Disability Leave
Paid compassionate Leave
Home Working Allowance
Support with continuous professional 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.
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.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; Midnight 23rd June 2026
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.
Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Advocate in Sunderland employer: VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, including access to coaching and continuous training, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying flexible working arrangements and generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Located in Sunderland, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of advocacy and the specific needs of the client groups you will be working with. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals in health and social care will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the advocacy field or related sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with others who work in welfare, support, or health and social care. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experiences in supporting individuals with diverse needs during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference, as this will showcase your ability to empower clients and advocate effectively on their behalf.
✨Tip Number 4
Research VoiceAbility thoroughly before your application. Understand their mission, values, and the services they offer. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs will make a strong impression during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate in Sunderland
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 background aligns with the values of VoiceAbility. Use specific examples from your work or volunteer experiences to illustrate your commitment to advocacy.
Highlight Relevant Experiences:In your application, mention any previous roles or volunteer work that involved supporting individuals with communication needs or barriers to accessing services. This will show your understanding of the challenges faced by those you will be advocating for.
How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Advocate. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of advocacy, especially how it relates to supporting individuals with various needs. This will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work or volunteer experiences in welfare, support, or health and social care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to empower individuals and advocate for their rights, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As an Advocate, strong communication and empathy are essential. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients, especially those with diverse communication needs. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure they feel heard and understood.
✨Research VoiceAbility
Take some time to learn about VoiceAbility's mission, values, and the services they offer. Understanding their approach to advocacy will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their organisational goals during the interview.
