Independent Advocates (2 posts) at Families in Care
Contract Type: Fixed term
Role Type: Employment
Application deadline:
Based: Hybrid
Salary: £ Pro Rata
Salary Type: Fixed Salary
Location: Tyne and Wear
Role description: Officer
Families in Care (Registered Charity No:1007596)
Salary: £36,000 - £38,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
Hours: One Full-Time Post (37 hours) and One Part-Time Post (16 hours)
Contract: Fixed Term 2 years
Location: Newcastle/Hybrid
Closing Date: 7 October 2026
Help Parents Find Their Voice
Are you a qualified Social Worker who is passionate about social justice, advocacy and ensuring families are treated fairly?
Families in Care is an award-winning charity providing independent advocacy and support to birth parents involved in Child Protection and Family Court proceedings across Newcastle upon Tyne. We are delighted to be recruiting for two Independent Advocates to join our dedicated team, helping parents navigate complex processes and ensuring their voices are heard at critical moments in their lives.
This is a unique opportunity to use your professional skills independently, supporting parents through some of their most challenging experiences while remaining separate from statutory decision-making processes.
About the Role
As an Independent Advocate, you will:
• Provide independent advocacy and emotional support to birth parents.
• Help parents understand child protection and family court processes.
• Support parents to understand their rights, options and responsibilities.
• Prepare parents for meetings, conferences, assessments and court-related appointments.
• Attend key meetings alongside parents where appropriate.
• Ensure parents' views, wishes and concerns are clearly represented.
• Work constructively with professionals whilst maintaining independence.
• Keep accurate and confidential case records and contribute to safeguarding practice
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
• A qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Committed to social justice, safeguarding and professional ethics.
• Compassionate, resilient and able to build trusting relationships.
• Skilled in communication, advocacy and professional judgement.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively to a small team.
• Passionate about supporting parents facing complex challenges.
Experience of working with vulnerable adults, children and families is desirable. Candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Why Join Families in Care?
• Make a genuine difference to the lives of parents and families.
• Join a respected charity recognised with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
• Work within a small, caring and supportive team.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Regular supervision and team support.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Six weeks annual leave plus public holidays.
• Pension contribution.
How to Apply
To request a full job description, person specification and application form please email yoursupport@familiesincare.com with the subject line Job Application. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Carole Taylor via the same email address.
Application deadline: Midnight, 7 October 2026
Shortlisting: 14 October 2026
Interviews: 21 October 2026
Equality and Inclusion
Families in Care is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.