Advocacy worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly
• a course run by a private training provider

Entry requirements:

College

A course in health and social care would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can gain some of the skills and knowledge you need through an Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You could then do further training on the job or through an independent training provider.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Volunteering

Starting as a volunteer advocate is a good way to get experience. As a volunteer you would receive training and support to develop your skills in the health and social care sector.

You may find relevant voluntary experience with Age UK or through NCVO .

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to become an advocacy worker. Employers are likely to place more importance on your skills than on your qualifications.

You would be required to complete a Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification within your first year of working.

Experience in care work, social work or counselling could give you an advantage.

It may be useful if you have experience of using advocacy or care services.

OtherRoutes

Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications in advocacy, like:

• Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy
• Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy
• Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Advocacy workers help give people a voice in decisions about their health or social care.

As an advocacy worker you could:

• support clients of all ages to have a voice in decisions about their care
• help people explore their options and make informed choices
• work with family and other professionals involved in your client's care
• make sure correct legal processes are followed
• write up case notes and reports

Location : You could work at an adult care home, at a children's care home or in an office.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could move to a more senior job, like advocacy co-ordinator or a team manager.

You could work in a different type of advocacy role, such as children and young people or mental health capacity. Alternatively, you could choose to specialise in an area like independent health complaints.