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Advocacy worker

Alternative titles for this job include Independent advocate, relevant person's representative

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an advocacy worker

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

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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.

Direct Application

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.

Other Routes

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

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can find out about training opportunities and different routes within advocacy work from the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) awards the Quality Performance Mark to advocacy providers who demonstrate that they provide excellent services.

Further information

You can learn more about becoming an advocacy worker from Skills for Care.

The Older People's Advocacy Alliance (OPAAL) promotes advocacy services for older people.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

It may be useful to have a driving licence if the role involves visiting clients in different places.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work at an adult care home, at a children's care home or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Carer/ Support Worker Apprentice Level 2

  • Wage: £23,795.20 Annually
  • Location: Margaret Street, Wakefield

Support Worker Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £9,984.00 Annually
  • Location: Lowestoft

Courses In England

Health and Social Care Certificate

  • Provider: ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Newport

Health and Social Care

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2024
  • Location: Hull

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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