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- Tasks: Support young people to have their voices heard and make informed decisions about their care.
- Company: Your Voice Counts, a passionate advocate for children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and empower them to speak up.
- Qualifications: Experience in advocacy or support services, especially with young people.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 27115 - 27115 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Part time
Application deadline: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 17:00
Based: Gateshead
Salary: £27,115 Pro Rata
Salary Type: Fixed Salary
Location: Tyne and Wear
Role description: Project Support
About The Role
As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care.
The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.
As this is a newly funded project, the postholder will play a key role in shaping how SHOUT is delivered locally. This includes developing strong working relationships with schools, SEND teams, Transitions services and community partners, identifying unmet need, promoting the service, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the project.
About You
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing support, or welfare services to adults or young people—particularly those with learning disabilities and/or autism, communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support.
You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard.
How will you make a difference?
- You’ll actively promote SHOUT within local communities and professional networks, helping to build awareness and increase access to early advocacy support.
- You’ll help young people to understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.
- You’ll support young people to express what matters to them — or speak on their behalf when needed — ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented.
- You’ll promote self‑advocacy and confidence‑building at every opportunity, encouraging young people to speak up for themselves.
- You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
- You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and Equality Act 2010), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.
- You’ll elevate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.
To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.
Professional Development
We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles.
Equality and Diversity
At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.
We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs.
Person Specification
We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate.
Essential Criteria
- Understanding of SEND processes, including EHCP reviews and transition planning.
- Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
- Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
- Knowledge of health and social care systems, and how to support people to access services.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.
- Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients, professionals and partner agencies.
- A person‑centred and empathetic approach to supporting others.
- Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload.
- Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports.
- Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log.
Commitment and Practicalities
- Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion.
- Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings.
- Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working with young people aged 14–18.
- Knowledge of safeguarding children procedures.
- Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions.
- Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.
- Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).
- Experience facilitating or co‑facilitating peer groups or community‑based sessions.
Children and Younger Person\'s Advocate in Gateshead employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Contact Detail:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children and Younger Person\'s Advocate in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the advocacy field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Think about how your experiences align with their mission to support young people. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key, especially in a role where you’ll be advocating for others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Children and Younger Person\'s Advocate in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for advocacy shine through! Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support young people and make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific examples from your background that demonstrate your understanding of SEND processes and your ability to advocate effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help ensure your application is easy to read and understand, showcasing your strong communication skills right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Know Your Advocacy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of advocacy, especially around SEND processes and the relevant legislation like the Children Act and Mental Capacity Act. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges faced by young people.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in the lives of young people. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for advocacy and supporting others. Employers love to see genuine enthusiasm!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving young people or professionals. Think through some scenarios in advance, focusing on how you'd promote self-advocacy and build trust with clients. This will help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the specific challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's goals.