Child and Family Advocate

Wokingham Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England seeks a Child and Family Advocate to join their Children Services team. This full-time role involves advocating for children's views, promoting their rights, and working closely with families and social workers. Ideal candidates will have an NVQ level 3 and experience with children from diverse backgrounds. A generous benefits package including annual leave, pension scheme, and a free onsite gym is offered.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (rising to 33)

Local government pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, young people, and their parents.
• Ability to adapt practices to meet needs of children including those with SEND.
• Independent travel throughout Wokingham Borough.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy service to children and families using various tools.
• Collaborate with social workers and professionals to maximize advocacy uptake.
• Ensure children understand their rights and are empowered to speak out.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work directly with children

Experience with diverse backgrounds

Creating inclusive environments

Education

NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject or equivalent

Job description

Child and Family Advocate

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Child and Family Advocate to join our motivated Children Services team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full Time, Permanent Basis.

As the Child and Family Advocate, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that the views, wishes and feelings of children, young people and their families in receipt of services are sought and listened to.

Within this role you will also ensure that children and young people are encouraged to exercise their rights and to participate in decisions which affect them.

You will seek to promote the child’s identity, developmental, social, emotional, educational, religious and cultural needs.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including :

• ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service) (Pro Rata), plus Bank Holidays
• ⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme
• ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24 / 7 wellbeing helpline
• ⭐A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• ⭐ And much more!

Key responsibilities

• Provide an advocacy service to children and families in receipt of children’s services using a range of tools to understand their views.
• Collaborate with social workers, IRO’s and a range of other professionals to maximise take up of advocacy and to facilitate the resolution of issues and raise awareness of advocacy; ensuring children have a voice and influence the decisions made about them.
• Ensure that children and young people are informed of and understand their rights and are empowered to speak out and access these rights
• Support children and young people through the complaint’s procedure when necessary
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training, seminars, workshop and other learning opportunities relating to advocacy and child and family participation.
• Maintain accurate records of outcomes and contribute to the delivery of reports

Candidate requirements

• NVQ level 3 in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification / experience.
• Ability to work directly with children and adapt practices to meet the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Direct experience of working with children, young people and their parents / carers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with children, families and stakeholders
• Direct experience of creating inclusive environments and working with children and young people who have difficulties building trust and need extra support to feel safe to express their opinions and ideas.
• You will need to be able to travel independently throughout Wokingham Borough and beyond.

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today.

For further discussion please contact or call 07834 150273

This vacancy will close : Monday 1st December 2025 at 11pm

Interviews will take place on : Week commencing 8th December, in person, in our Wokingham main offices.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.