Advocate

About the Role

You will join a newly established Advocacy and Advice Service supporting children, young people and their families to navigate education, health and benefits systems.

Families often face unclear pathways, complex processes and inconsistent information. Your role is to bring clarity, structure and confidence at key moments.

Working in a strengths-based and relational way, you will help families understand their rights, prepare for key decisions and access the support they need.

This is a non-statutory role. You will not replace legal or statutory services, but you will ensure families are informed, prepared and able to engage effectively.

You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to a joined-up, whole-family approach across Children & Family Services.

Who will thrive in this role

At Norwood, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best possible life. This role would best suit someone who combines relevant professional experience with lived experience, bringing both insight and empathy to support neurodiverse children, young people and their families.

You may have experience working in advocacy, advice, education, health or social care, and understand the challenges individuals and families can face when navigating complex systems. You will have a good understanding of SEND processes, including Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) pathways, and be familiar with disability related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Carer's Allowance.

Most importantly, you will be committed to empowering people, championing inclusion and helping families access the advice, support and opportunities they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.

About Norwood

Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

At Norwood, you will make a real difference every day. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive team where kindness is shown in how we care, respect shapes how we work together, belonging ensures everyone feels valued, and empowerment enables people to thrive.

We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.

Your day to day

You will:

• Work directly with families to understand their situation, priorities and goals,
• Support navigation of SEND pathways, including SEN Support and EHCP processes,
• Help families prepare for meetings with schools, local authorities and professionals,
• Provide guidance on benefits such as DLA, PIP and Carer's Allowance,
• Explain complex systems clearly and practically,
• Support families to gather evidence and take next steps with confidence,
• Maintain accurate case records and manage timelines effectively,
• Work closely with colleagues across social work, therapy and family support,
• Build strong relationships with external partners including schools and local authorities.

Qualifications, Training and Experience

You will bring:

• Experience working with children, young people or families in an advocacy, advice, education, health or social care setting
• Experience supporting individuals to navigate complex systems
• Knowledge of SEND processes, including EHCP pathways
• Understanding of disability-related benefits such as DLA, PIP or Carer's Allowance
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly
• Strong organisation and case management skills
• A values-led approach, with the ability to build trust and empower others

It would strengthen your application if you have:

• Experience supporting EHCP applications, reviews or mediation
• Training in SEND law, welfare rights or advocacy
• Experience within advice or advocacy services
• Understanding of health pathways and therapy services

Reward and Benefits

We believe great support starts with great staff. We offer:

• Fully funded induction and ongoing training
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays + Jewish Festival & Holy Days (pro rata for part time)
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cash plan covering dental, optical and therapy treatments, plus virtual GP access via My Medicash
• Blue Light Card access
• Cycle to Work scheme
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus
• Career development pathway
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive, experienced team and management culture

A bit more information: Our Children and Family Services support neurodivergent children and young people, those with learning disabilities, and their families to live fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities.

We work alongside families to provide practical guidance, emotional support, advocacy and opportunities to build skills, confidence and connection. Through workshops, courses, peer support and individual family support, we help families navigate challenges, celebrate strengths and access the support they need.

Our approach is centred on the whole family. We recognise that when parents, carers, siblings and grandparents feel informed, connected and supported, children and young people are better able to thrive.

We also create opportunities for children and young people to develop friendships, build independence, try new experiences and enjoy meaningful activities through our Unity clubs and programmes.

Based at our fully accessible North London Hub, we support children and young people with a wide range of needs, including those with complex physical disabilities and medical requirements. With specialist facilities including a sensory room, soft play area and accessible outdoor space, we create environments where children and young people can feel safe, valued and included.

Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, and young people we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with OFSTED, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.

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Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.