Care home advocate

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
• 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

More Information

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Starting as a volunteer advocate would be a good way to get experience. As a volunteer you would receive training and support to develop your skills.

You could apply directly to become a care home advocate. Employers are likely to place more importance on your skills than on your qualifications.

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

You'll need to have an understanding of the needs of older people and show a positive attitude to ageing.

You may also find it useful if you've had experience as a user of advocacy or care services.

Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications that include units on advocacy.

Career tips

It might help if you can speak a community language for some jobs.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a care home advocate and training from:

• Older People's Advocacy Alliance
• National Development Team for Inclusion
• Age UK
• Mind

You'll need:

• knowledge of psychology
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• make sure residents are treated fairly and with dignity
• find and explain information
• help residents explore their options and make informed choices
• make sure residents have access to their care plan
• help residents to speak for themselves or speak on their behalf
• help to negotiate with others involved in decisions
• go with residents to meetings to provide moral support, or attend meetings on their behalf
• work with with care home staff and other agencies

You could work at an adult care home or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.