Independent Advocate

Connected Voice; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Connected Voice invites applications for Independent Advocates to support people across Newcastle, South Tyneside and Gateshead, helping them navigate health and social care decisions.

You will travel to clients’ homes, hospitals and care settings; some admin can be done from home, but a reliable vehicle and driving licence are needed. You’ll promote rights, listen actively and advocate with compassion.

Qualifications

• Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.
• Understanding of challenges faced by people with mental ill health, physical health conditions, learning disabilities or communication difficulties.
• Awareness of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of health and social care systems and how to support people to access services.

Responsibilities

• Help clients understand their rights, entitlements and choices, giving clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.
• Support people to express what matters to them, or speak on their behalf where needed, so that their views, wishes, values and beliefs are represented.
• Promote self-advocacy and build confidence, encouraging people to speak up for themselves.
• Work creatively and collaboratively so that people can take part in decisions that affect their lives.
• Work in line with relevant legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, Care Act 2014 and Human Rights Act 1998, and constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and improve services.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Relationship building

Independent work

Case notes

IT literacy

Tools

Microsoft Office

Charity Log

Job description

Independent Advocate

Job or Trustee?

Job type

Salary

Hours

Closing date

Organisation

About the Role

We have opportunities across Newcastle, South Tyneside and Gateshead, suitable for people new to advocacy as well as experienced advocates with a statutory advocacy background.

As an Advocate, you will support people in a wide range of circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders, so that they can make informed decisions about their lives and care.

The role involves travel to clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and community settings. Some work, particularly administration, can be done from home, but you will need access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection.

How will you make a difference?

• Help clients understand their rights, entitlements and choices, giving clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.
• Support people to express what matters to them, or speak on their behalf where needed, so that their views, wishes, values and beliefs are represented.
• Promote self-advocacy and build confidence, encouraging people to speak up for themselves.
• Work creatively and collaboratively so that people can take part in decisions that affect their lives.
• Work in line with relevant legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, Care Act 2014 and Human Rights Act 1998, and constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and improve services.

Professional development

We are committed to helping our team grow. Whether you are starting your advocacy career or developing your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities and have a strong record of supporting staff to build their knowledge, skills and experience across advocacy roles.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident employer: applicants who tell us they are disabled and meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of recruitment, or would like to apply in a different format, please contact our HR team.

Person Specification

We are looking for committed people who can support others to be heard and to make informed choices. You may have worked or volunteered in advocacy, health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance. Above all, we want people who are passionate about making a difference.

Essential criteria

• 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 mental ill health, physical health conditions, learning disabilities or communication difficulties.
• Awareness 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 active listening and adapting to individual needs.
• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients and professionals.
• A person-centred and empathetic approach.
• Confidence working independently and managing your own time and workload.
• Ability to write clear, accurate case notes and reports.
• Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of case management systems such as Charity Log.

Commitment and practicalities

• Commitment to upholding individuals’ rights and promoting equality and inclusion.
• A full valid driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle for work, with willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.
• A suitable home internet connection for remote working and administration.

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience as an Advocate or in a similar role helping people to understand their rights and make decisions.
• Experience of supporting people with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.
• Familiarity with relevant legislation (Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).
• Understanding of the types of statutory advocacy (IMCA, IMHA, Care Act advocacy and NHS complaints advocacy).
• Formal training or qualifications in advocacy, social care, counselling or a related field.