Care home advocate
Social care

How to become a care home advocate

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• volunteering
• applying directly
• a course run by a private training provider

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Volunteering & Experience

Starting as a volunteer advocate would be a good way to get experience. As a volunteer you would receive training and support to develop your skills.

Direct application

You could apply directly to become a care home advocate. Employers are likely to place more importance on your skills than on your qualifications. Experience in care work, social work or counselling could give you an advantage. You'll need to have an understanding of the needs of older people and show a positive attitude to ageing. You may also find it useful if you've had experience as a user of advocacy or care services.

Other routes

Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications that include units on advocacy.

More info

Career tips It might help if you can speak a community language for some jobs. Further information You can find out more about becoming a care home advocate and training from: Older People's Advocacy Alliance National Development Team for Inclusion Age UK Mind

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of psychology
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• making sure residents are treated fairly and with dignity
• finding and explaining information
• helping residents explore their options and make informed choices
• making sure residents have access to their care plan
• helping residents to speak for themselves or speaking on their behalf
• helping to negotiate with others involved in decisions
• going with residents to meetings to provide moral support, or attending meetings on their behalf
• working with with care home staff and other agencies

Working environment

You could work at an adult care home or in an office. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could progress to a more senior role, like advocacy coordinator.