How to become a care home advocate
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- a course run by a private training provider
College
A college course can give you some of the skills and knowledge you need to be a care home advocate.
You could do a level 2 certificate or level 3 diploma in health and social care.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could start by doing an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship.
After this, you could get some experience in advocacy to get a job as a care home advocate.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Volunteering as an advocate would be a good way to get experience. As a volunteer you'll get training and support to develop your skills.
You may find out about volunteering from Age UK or from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become a care home advocate. Employers are likely to value your skills more than your qualifications.
You may find it helps to get a job if you:
- have experience working in social work, counselling or at a care home
- know about the needs of older people
- show a positive attitude to ageing
- have used an advocacy or care service personally
Other Routes
Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications, like a level 2 award or level 3 certificate in independent advocacy.
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Career tips
It might help if you can speak a different language for some jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
Skills for care is an independent charity and has further information about working in the care sector.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a care home advocate and training from: