At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in expressing their needs and rights while making a real difference in their lives.
- Company: Join VoiceAbility, a leading charity dedicated to advocacy and support for those in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Flexible home-based administration with travel across Inverclyde for client meetings.
- Why this job: Be the voice for those who need it most and empower them to make informed decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare, health, or social care is desirable; passion for helping others is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 29500 £ per year.
Location: Inverclyde (travel across the area, home based for administration)
Salary: £24,500 - £29,500 per year, pro-rata.
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
All applications by midnight on 22 June 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 Inverclyde 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 Inverclyde. 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.
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service.
5% employer pension.
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?
Advocate - Social Security Scotland employer: VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals in need. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive work culture that values collaboration and creativity. Located in the beautiful Inverclyde area, our team enjoys the flexibility of home-based administration while engaging directly with clients in diverse community settings, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate - Social Security Scotland
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at VoiceAbility.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from VoiceAbility!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like VoiceAbility, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at VoiceAbility or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate - Social Security Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to VoiceAbility:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to VoiceAbility! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VoiceAbility
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
