Children's Advocate
Reading
Home & Field based
Sessional staff - 0 hour contract as and when required
Could you make a positive difference in a child or young person’s life?
Are you looking for a rewarding role, working within an organisation whose focus is on enabling the voice of the child?
If so, we would love to hear from you.
We are currently recruiting Children’s Advocates on a sessional, as-and-when-required (0-hour contract) basis to join our team in Reading and the surrounding areas.
This flexible opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a difference to children and young people’s lives and who are able to offer their time and skills when support is needed. You will play a vital role in ensuring children’s voices are heard and represented, with full training, supervision, and ongoing support provided.
Enabling children and young people have a voice throughout their journey within the care system, to feel listened to, safe and cared for, are intrinsic values in our Children’s Services. Our advocates support children to share their views, wishes and feelings and ensure these are actively considered when decisions are being made about their care and education
The purpose of this service
To provide exceptional Independent Advocacy to ensure improved outcomes for Children and young people including those:
- With Child Protection Plans;
- Who are in residential care;
- Who are looked after;
- Who are care leavers; or
- Who are Children in Need.
Working within the framework of the National Standards for Advocacy, your role will include:
- Supporting children and young people to have their voices heard at Child Protection Conferences & Child in Care review meetings
- Building trust & rapport with a child or young person enabling them to express their views and wishes
- Assisting children with raising complaints about their care where this is an issue for them
You must have:
- A real passion for improving the outcomes for children & young people
- The ability to adapt and be flexible to suit children’s needs
- A calm and confident approach to challenging situations
- Excellent communication skills
- Previous experience of working with children and young people
- Effective time management skills
- An understanding of social care and disabilities would be desirable
You will be required to have:
- A clean driving licence and access to your own car; travel within Reading and the surrounding areas is essential for this role
- Computer skills, and the ability to accurately record and report information
- An enhanced DBS check if you are successful in the application process
- This role involves occasional working outside of general office hours
What we offer:
- 0 hour contract as and when required
- Paid Holiday allowance
- Travel expenses paid
- Full Training and Ongoing support provided
- Regular individual supervision, team meetings, group supervision
- Opportunity to develop new skills to further enhance your personal or professional aspirations
- A chance to make a real impact and lasting difference to children and young people
- Regular networking and social events with all our regional services
Who are Reconstruct?
Reconstruct has been established since 1990, continually working to improve children & young people’s lives by providing Advocacy, Independent Visiting, Participation and Mentoring. We are passionate about improving children’s lives and the services provided for them, promoting their participation in our planning, delivery and evaluation of service provision. We place the child at the heart of all work we do; every child is unique and each situation requires an individualised response that meets their needs;
Reconstruct are an inclusive organisation committed to encouraging equality and diversity within our workforce; we warmly welcome candidates from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our team.
Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to references and confirmation of the right to work in the UK and satisfactory enhanced DBS check
Reconstruct invite interested applicants to contact us if you would like the opportunity to discuss the role further via an initial, informal interview.
Thank you for considering becoming a Children’s Advocate and taking the first step towards changing the lives of children & young people.
Pay: £14.42-£14.85 per hour
Work Location: In person
