Independent Advocate - National Highways / Housing / HS2

POhWER; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in the UK is seeking a compassionate Independent Advocate to assist vulnerable individuals impacted by large infrastructure projects. Your role will involve providing tailored support, facilitating access to consultations, and ensuring effective communication between citizens and agencies. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to social justice, enhancing opportunities for those marginalized by social systems. This permanent position offers a competitive salary of £24,242.40 and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working Options

Pension Scheme

Travel Expenses Coverage

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Understanding challenges faced by those affected by infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy and support to vulnerable individuals engaging with infrastructure.
• Assist individuals in understanding communications regarding complaints and project updates.
• Facilitate access to resources ensuring information is accessible.
• Act as a liaison between individuals and infrastructure bodies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Advocacy

Sensitivity

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Independent Advocate to provide tailored support to vulnerable individuals and communities impacted by large-scale infrastructure networks and projects across the UK. This role is vital in ensuring that those who may face barriers to engagement are fully supported in accessing relevant schemes, understanding complex information, and participating in consultations or land-related processes.

Hours of Work

37 hours will be varied: hours to be between 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday.

Location

Home based.

Salary

£24,242.40

Contract Type

Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one advocacy and support to vulnerable individuals engaging with infrastructure providers, developers and related agencies.
• Assist individuals in understanding and responding to communications regarding complaints, land ownership, compensation, and project updates.
• Facilitate access to schemes and resources offered ensuring information is presented in an accessible and inclusive manner.
• Act as a liaison between individuals and infrastructure bodies, ensuring their voices are heard and concerns addressed.
• Work collaboratively with local services, community groups, and engagement teams to identify and support those in need.
• Maintain accurate records of support provided and contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the service.

About You

You will be passionate about social justice and community empowerment, with experience supporting vulnerable individuals in complex or sensitive situations. You’ll be a skilled communicator, able to translate technical or complex information into accessible formats, and advocate effectively on behalf of others.

Essential Criteria

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals or communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals affected by large infrastructure projects.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable

• Knowledge of major infrastructure schemes (e.g., transport, energy, housing).
• Experience in advocacy, community engagement, or social work.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary aligned with experience and responsibilities.
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• Flexible Working Options, including remote and hybrid arrangements.
• Pension Scheme and comprehensive employee assistance program.
• Travel Expenses covered for work-related journeys.

Career Development Opportunities

• Structured Training in advocacy, infrastructure engagement, and community empowerment.
• Professional Development Plans tailored to your career goals.
• Opportunities to specialize in national infrastructure projects and influence policy.
• Networking and Collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and industry leaders.
• Clear progression pathways into senior advocacy, project management, or strategic roles.

Meet the Organisation : Who We Are and What We Do

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.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don’t wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date

9AM, Monday 5th January 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date

TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under‑represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.