Children's Rights Advocate

Children's Rights Advocate- Grade 5 £35,520- £38,739pro rata (Part time 18 hours per week.) Be the voice that helps young people be heard We're looking for a passionate advocate to make sure children and young people in Havering are genuinely listened to-and that their wishes and feelings shape the decisions that affect their lives. You'll join a supportive service that's part of our People directorate, where we're committed to helping residents stay safe and well., As a Children's Rights Advocate, you will provide independent advocacy to children and young people who are care-experienced or subject to Child Protection Plans, working in line with the Children Act 1989 and Advocacy National Standards. You'll sit within Starting Well (Early Help & Targeted Family Support) and report to the Volunteer Advocacy & Independent Visitor Lead. Key things you'll do

• Hold and manage a caseload of children and young people who require advocacy.
• Champion each young person's voice-ensuring their wishes and feelings are front and centre in all decisions.
• Provide non-instructed advocacy for children with SEND and/or complex communication needs, producing clear, analytical non-instructed reports to agreed timescales.
• Help children and young people understand their rights, statutory guidance and local processes so they can make well-informed decisions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on the Council's children's recording system and work confidently with digital tools.
• Liaise closely with social workers, Personal Advisers, schools and other professionals to secure the best outcomes.
• Support young people to use the Council's complaints procedures and those of partner agencies.
• Champion Havering's pledge to children in care and promote the advocacy offer across Starting Well and the wider Council.
• Work flexibly with regular some travel across (and outside) the borough, and occasional sessions outside normal office hours.
  
  You are values driven, Child Centred, and confident communicating with a wide range of people. You bring:
• Degree level education (Level 6) or equivalent experience.
• Experience working directly with children and young people across varied settings.
• Excellent communication-written, verbal and interpersonal-with the ability to explain complex issues simply and sensitively.
• Strong digital skills, including Microsoft 365 and children's case management systems (e.g., Liquidlogic).
• Sound knowledge of legislation and guidance: Children Act 1989, Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, Children and Families Act 2014, and current policy for Children Looked After and Care Leavers.
The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high quality direct work with children-including those with SEND or complex communication needs.