Independent Advocate

Contract Type: Permanent Role Type: Employment Hours: Full or Part time Application deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - 17:00 Based: Newcastle Salary: £27,115 to 31,754 Pro Rata Salary Type: Salary Scale Location: Tyne and Wear Role description: Project Support About The Role We have a variety of rewarding opportunities across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead. These include roles ideal for those new to Advocacy as well as experienced Advocates with a background in statutory advocacy. As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care. The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential. About You We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing care, support, or welfare services to adults or young people—particularly those with communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support. You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard. How Will You Make a Difference? You’ll help clients understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs. You’ll support individuals to express what matters to them—or speak on their behalf when needed—ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented. You’ll promote self-advocacy and confidence-building at every opportunity, encouraging people to speak up for themselves. You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower individuals to participate in decisions affecting their lives. You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, and Human Rights Act), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties. You’ll escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery. To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website. Professional Development We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles. Equality and Diversity At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential. We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs. Person Specification We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate. Essential Criteria Experience and Knowledge 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 the importance 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 the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs. Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients and professionals. A person-centred and empathetic approach to supporting others. Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload. Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports. Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log. Commitment and Practicalities Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion. Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings. Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks. Desirable Criteria Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions. Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers. Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act). Understanding of different types of statutory advocacy (e.g. IMCA, IMHA, Care Act advocacy, NHS Complaints advocacy). Formal training or qualifications in advocacy, social care, counselling, or a related field. Job document 1 #J-18808-Ljbffr VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)