Job Vacancies
Independent Advocate (Part-Time, 16 Hours per Week)
**12-month fixed term contract**
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our well-established team serving the Sandwell borough. Established in 1993, we have spent over 30 years providing independent advocacy, supporting people to have their voices heard in decisions about their care, health, and wider life choices.
Highly respected within the community, we offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, alongside training and development to help staff grow and succeed.
What we need from you:
- Evidence of at least one year’s relevant experience or a recognised qualification in advocacy, social care, health, housing, or a related field
- Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships
- The ability to empower individuals to express their views, wishes, and rights
- Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage a focused caseload within part-time hours
- Ability to effectively use case management systems, ensuring accurate and timely recording of all work undertaken.
- Experience working with multi-agency professionals such as health, social care, housing, or education services
- Understanding of advocacy principles, equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding responsibilities
- The ability to work independently as well as part of a supportive team
- A non-judgemental, empathetic, and professional approach at all times
- Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings/weekends
- Ability to travel across the Sandwell borough to attend meetings and support service users in community and statutory settings
- Evidence of continuing professional development activity undertaken within the last two years
- Experience of working in a person-centred way
- Understanding of the barriers commonly faced by vulnerable individuals, and how these may affect access to services and advocacy
- Demonstrated commitment to the empowerment, independence, and rights of individuals, including those from marginalised or disadvantaged groups
- Reliable and able to maintain professional boundaries
Desirable:
- Experience working across multiple service areas including children and young people, housing, learning disabilities, or health and social care
- Experience attending formal meetings and supporting individuals within professional settings
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding frameworks
- Qualification in advocacy or a related discipline
- Training in safeguarding, mental capacity, or relevant legislation
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide independent, confidential, and impartial advocacy support on a one-to-one basis
- Support individuals to understand their rights, available options, and make informed choices
- Enable individuals to express their views, wishes, and rights confidently
- Attend meetings and represent individuals where appropriate
- Deliver advocacy support across a range of service areas including children and young people, housing, health, and social care
- Manage a proportionate caseload in line with agreed outcomes and part-time hours
- Maintain accurate and confidential case records
- Work collaboratively with professionals and referral partners across multiple agencies
- Promote advocacy services within the local community
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- Participate in supervision, training, and ongoing professional development
- Work in line with equality, diversity, safeguarding, and organisational policies
Salary: £27,827 per annum (pro rata)
Actual salary: £12,721 per annum for 16 hours per week
Hours: 16 hours per week, worked flexibly across agreed days. Occasional evening or weekend working may be required, to meet the needs of service users.
Benefits:
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- 5% Employers Pension contribution
- Flexible working
- Induction, ongoing training, and professional development
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Opportunity to make a genuine difference within the local community
How To Apply
Please send your CV along with a supporting statement detailing how your experience and skills align with the Job Description and Person Specification to: https://sandwelladvocacy.org/contact-us/
Closing date for applications: 3rd June 2026.
Interviews scheduled for: 16th June 2026.
Independent Advocate
Are you a qualified independent advocate?
Would you like to work for Sandwell Advocacy on a freelance basis?
Please get in touch for more details.
Please contact Dave Bradshaw (CEO) on either: 0121 520 8070 or email: dave.bradshaw@sandwelladvocacy.org
Volunteer
Would you like to become a volunteer?
Please get in touch for more details.
Please contact: info@sandwelladvocacy.org