Independent Advocate

POhWER; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A community advocacy organization is seeking an Independent Advocate to support vulnerable adults in Suffolk. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and excellent IT capabilities. You will work remotely and engage with clients, public and voluntary organizations. Benefits include 25+ days off, wellness plans, and full support for professional qualifications.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + Bank holidays

Wellbeing Healthcare Plan

Auto-enrolment Pension plan

Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan

Training and qualification sponsorship

Qualifications

• Strong communication and time management skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft applications.
• Attention to detail for accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to vulnerable adults facing health and social care challenges.
• Deliver verbal and written representations on behalf of clients.
• Collaborate with public and voluntary organisations.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

IT skills

Attention to detail

Education

Advocacy qualification (preferably IAP or NAQ)

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our vibrant team in Suffolk!

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, working between 9am - 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Location: Home-based with travel around the Suffolk area. (Applicants should live in the Suffolk area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Salary: Full-time salary equivalent of £24,242.40 per annum.

Contract Type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service), with options to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday after 1 year of service.
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan covering optical, dental, alternative therapies, and more.
• Auto-enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

About POhWER

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

We provide a full induction, training, and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification, preferably the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) or the City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). POhWER will fully sponsor this qualification and provide study time, with a 12-month completion target.

Application Process

If you think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role, apply now with your CV and cover letter!

Closing Date: 5 PM, Friday 12th September 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: TBC

For an informal discussion, contact Community Manager, Karina Kennell at [e-mail].

An Enhanced DBS check and NOMS vetting will be conducted. Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holding the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a Level 2 Disability Confident scheme employer, guaranteeing interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria. We promote diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, especially from underrepresented groups.