Trainee Advocate

Rethink Mental Illness; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully supported Level 4 qualification

Protected study time

Regular supervision and mentoring

Ongoing training and development

Supportive team environment

Meaningful work with direct impact

Clear progression route to Advocate

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness is hiring a Trainee Advocate in Barnsley. You will learn to empower people to understand their rights and ensure their views are considered in decisions affecting their lives.

You won't need to be a qualified advocate initially; we’ll support you to develop knowledge, confidence and skills while you complete the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and complete the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.
• Field-based role requiring travel across Barnsley.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse groups.
• Experience supporting vulnerable people desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shadow experienced colleagues and learn advocacy, safeguarding and person-centred support.
• Gradually take ownership of your own caseload and support people accessing mental health services.
• Travel across Barnsley and work in hospitals, care homes, supported living, community settings, and people’s homes.
• Promote advocacy services within local communities and services.
• Maintain accurate records and case notes.
• Navigate mental health, social care and legal frameworks.
• Deliver both instructed and non-instructed advocacy.

Skills

Communication skills

Listening skills

Empathy

Organisation

IT literacy

Travel willingness

Education

Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Field Based - Barnsley
Contract: Permanent, Full Time - 35 Hours
Salary: £24,544.91
DBS Check: Enhanced with Adults & Children

Have you ever wanted a career where you can make a genuine difference to people's lives every day?

At Rethink Advocacy, we're looking for compassionate, motivated individuals who believe everyone deserves to be heard. As a Trainee Advocate, you'll learn how to empower people to understand their rights, make informed choices, and ensure their views are considered in decisions that affect their lives.

You don't need to be a qualified advocate already. We'll support you to develop the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to succeed while completing the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.

What you'll be doing

As a Trainee Advocate, you'll begin your journey by shadowing experienced colleagues, learning the principles of advocacy, safeguarding, and person-centred support. As your confidence grows, you'll gradually take ownership of your own caseload and support people accessing mental health services across Barnsley.

You’ll work with people in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and secure facilities


• Care homes


• Supported living services


• Community settings


• People's own homes

You’ll learn how to:

• Support people to express their views, wishes and feelings.


• Help individuals understand their rights and available options.


• Deliver both instructed and non-instructed advocacy.


• Navigate mental health, social care and legal frameworks.


• Maintain accurate records and case notes.


• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.


• Build positive relationships with a wide range of people and professionals.


• Promote advocacy services within local communities and services.

This is a field-based role, so no two days will be the same. You’ll travel across Barnsley, manage your own diary and enjoy a varied workload while being fully supported by an experienced team.

Who we're looking for

You may be looking for a career change, have experience supporting vulnerable people, or bring valuable lived experience and transferable skills.

We're interested in people who:

• Are passionate about helping others have their voice heard.


• Respect people's right to make their own choices and decisions.


• Have excellent communication and listening skills.


• Can build trusting relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.


• Are organised and able to manage competing priorities.


• Are comfortable using IT systems and Microsoft Office.


• Demonstrate empathy, resilience and professionalism.


• Can travel throughout the Barnsley area and occasionally further afield when required.

Most importantly, you'll bring a genuine commitment to learning and developing as an advocate. We'll teach you the rest.

What you'll get in return

When you join Rethink Mental Illness, you're not just starting a job. You're building a career with purpose.

We offer:

• Fully supported completion of the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.


• Protected study time to support your learning and development.


• Regular supervision, mentoring and reflective practice sessions.


• Ongoing training and development opportunities.


• A supportive and welcoming team environment.


• Meaningful work that has a direct impact on people's lives.


• A clear progression route into a qualified Advocate role upon successful completion of your qualification.