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.

About the role

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.

About You

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.

Please view Job Profile here

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Rachel.Lythe@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 19/6/26 however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.