At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while navigating health and social care.
- Company: VoiceAbility is a leading charity advocating for those needing support across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, remote work options, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare, support, or health and social care is preferred.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with travel expenses covered.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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 over in Shetland. 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. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. About the role This is an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join and shape this service covering Shetland 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 under Scottish legislation. 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) 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 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. 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 on 9 April 2026 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 We look forward to hearing from you.
Advocate employer: VoiceAbility
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. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with communication needs or mental health issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the advocacy and social care sectors. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with current advocates and learn about their experiences. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've supported individuals in need. Think of examples from your work, volunteering, or personal experiences that showcase your ability to empower others and advocate for their rights effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research VoiceAbility thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they offer. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their goals will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
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 showcases your passion for advocacy and your commitment to making a difference. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experiences: In your application, mention any work, personal, or voluntary experiences that relate to advocacy or supporting individuals with diverse needs. This will help the hiring team see your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand what an Advocate does and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with VoiceAbility's mission and values, as this will help you align your answers with their goals 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 transferable skills and how they relate to the role of an Advocate, especially in supporting individuals with diverse needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As an Advocate, strong communication and empathy are crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or supported individuals in difficult situations. Highlight your ability to listen actively and advocate for others' needs.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and how VoiceAbility measures success in advocacy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.