The Independent Advocate will focus on championing the rights and needs of people that are in receipt of support from Family and Childrens Services, including children in foster care, children on CIN and CP plans, children with SEND and young carers. Working in a referral-based way the successful candidate will work closely with Volunteer Advocates and service users to ensure their voices are heard and their unique challenges addressed. Contacts and Relationships This position functions within a multi-agency framework, requiring the post holder to collaborate with colleagues across various service areas within Childrens Services, as well as other departments within the Council and external agencies. The role demands the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with children and young people, engaging them effectively on complex and sensitive matters. The post holder will frequently advocate on behalf of children and young people, navigating challenging and contentious issues, with a high degree of tact and sensitivity. The individual in this role is expected to advocate for children and young people aged 5-18 years and at times up to 25 years old. This involves close collaboration with teams across the council, including social workers, foster carers, residential staff, and other care providers, often in situations that require careful handling due to their complexity and sensitivity. Responsibilities: To provide information, guidance, and advocacy support to service users of the Family and Childrens Directorate, informing them of their rights and arranging face to face meetings where this is required. Ensuring that this is age appropriate. Service Users include Children in Care, Children supported through a Child Protection Process, Children with SEND, young carers and parents who are being supported on a statutory plan. To provide specialist advocacy services as appropriate, predominantly Children and Young Peoples Advocacy, although you may, on occasion, be required to work within other advocacy specialisms. Advocates may deliver the service in many settings, in schools, colleges, residential placements and residential schools, hospital, foster placements, community and other relevant settings. To provide comprehensive advocacy services to children and young people who wish to file a complaint, ensuring that their perspectives are fully understood and articulated, seeking a fair and satisfactory resolution to any issues identified. To deliver dedicated support and guidance to children and young people subject to child protection plans, empowering them to effectively express their views and participate meaningfully in decision-making forums. To offer specialised support and guidance to children and young people in the care of Wiltshire Council, assisting them in voicing their concerns about their care arrangements and enabling them to actively participate in decision-making forums. This includes providing guidance and support to ensure their rights and best interests are represented and considered. To assess the advocacy support needs of those children and young people who are referred. To attend professional meetings either with the person being advocated for or on their behalf. To gather and accurately convey the wishes and feelings of children and young people, providing high-quality reports that enable professionals to clearly understand their views. To provide appropriate advocacy support to referrers. To promote the service to clients and relevant stakeholders. To independently plan and manage a caseload of children and young people, aligning with service priorities and deadlines, while ensuring the needs of individual children are prioritised. The role often involves working outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends, and lone working. Additionally, the position may require travel outside the authority to meet with children and attend meetings. To be aware of current trends and issues around childrens services, health, and social care and around forms of advocacy. To keep up-to-date, accurate factual records relating to the service users and their ongoing support, using appropriate tracking systems and databases. To ensure strict confidentiality is maintained. To foster and develop professional links and good quality relations with statutory, and other agencies and the wider Voice and Participation Service. Some networking will be essential; however, the post holder will be required to be independent and solely focused on the wishes and feelings of those they are advocating for. To attend Locality Team and other meetings, assisting the Team Manager to prepare operational reports relating to the service when required.. To work as a team member sharing skills and contributing to the smooth running and good reputation of the organisation. To take an active part in training volunteers, students, and peer advocates. To mentor and provide shadowing opportunities for volunteers, students, and peer advocates.