At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while navigating health and social care.
- Company: Join VoiceAbility, a leading charity advocating for those in need across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, remote work options, and a supportive development environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare, support, or health and social care is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible home-based work with travel to meet clients; expenses covered.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 are looking for Advocates to join our team in Inverness and the Highlands region. 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 Advocates to join and shape this service covering Inverness and the Highlands region. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ 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)
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. 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.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; Midnight on 12 September, 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.
Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?
Please visit our website
We look forward to hearing from you.
Advocate - Inverness and the Highlands region employer: VoiceAbility
Contact Detail:
VoiceAbility Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate - Inverness and the Highlands region
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of advocacy and the specific needs of the communities in Inverness and the Highlands. Understanding local issues will help you connect better with potential clients and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the health and social care sectors in your area. Attend local events or join online forums to meet people who can provide insights into the role and possibly refer you to opportunities within VoiceAbility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your transferable skills during interviews. Think about how your previous experiences in welfare, support, or health and social care can be applied to the Advocate role, especially in empowering individuals to express their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for advocacy by volunteering or participating in community initiatives related to health and social care. This not only enhances your CV but also demonstrates your dedication to supporting those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate - Inverness and the Highlands region
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 skills needed, such as experience in welfare or health and social care, and think about how your background aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your advocacy skills and any work in support services. Use specific examples from your past roles or volunteer work that showcase your ability to empower individuals and support their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for advocacy. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your commitment to helping others and how you can contribute to VoiceAbility's mission.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions carefully. Create your recruitment account, upload your CV, and complete the short application form as specified. Double-check for any additional documents required and ensure everything is submitted before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand what an Advocate does, especially in the context of supporting individuals with various needs. 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 ability to advocate for others and how you've helped individuals express their needs and rights.
✨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, especially those with diverse communication needs. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure they feel heard and understood.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training and support provided for new Advocates or how the team collaborates in the community.