Children and Younger Person\'s Advocate in Gateshead

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.

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.

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 Safeguarding 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 escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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).
• Experiencing facilitating or co-facilitating peer groups or community-based sessions.