Independent Mental Health Advocate Jobs

Job Title: Independent Mental Health Advocate

Service: Coram Voice

Contract: Permanent – Part Time

Hours: 18 hours per week

Salary: £11,755.54 - £13,351.88 per annum (FTE £22,858 - £25,962), Subject to IAQ or IAP IMHA Qualification

Location: North East (Homebased with travel to Morpeth and Prudhoe in Northumberland)

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram Voice

Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.

Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold systems to account, to challenge and support them to do their jobs properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.

Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.

Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in a variety of situations. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.

About the Role

We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in the North East. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn, a desire to promote the rights of children and young people and

• already have an IAP City and Guilds Level 3 or IAQ City or Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy, who have completed the specialist unit in Independent Mental Health Advocacy, or
• a wiliness to undertake the IAQ City or Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy.

You will work to empower and support children and young people to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives.

You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people with a mental health needs.

If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.

What you will receive

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.

Recruitment process

Our Children’s Rights Managers will undertake Shortlisting. Successful candidates will be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.

Returning your application

• We cannot accept general CVs.
• When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
• Applications must be fully completed.
• If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.

Closing Date: 12pm, Tuesday 1st October 2024

Interview Date: Tuesday 15th October 2024

General consideration for applications

• DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
• Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
• Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.

Each year, around 150 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide. The actual number of suicides as a result of domestic abuse remains unknown.  Most of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after domestic homicide.

AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) is a growing Charity and to meet the demands of this growth, we are looking for an exceptional candidate to join our team in a highly rewarding opportunity. Although home based, some travel will be required - frequency will be commensurate to the role. We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

Our Specialist Advocates support families impacted by fatal domestic abuse through provision of lay advocacy for and on behalf of families with a range of statutory service providers (e.g. those conducting reviews and inquiries, social services, police, housing) and work to build good relations between all parties.  To ensure that families get the support they need, you will use AAFDA’s Home Office endorsed seven-step approach to working with individuals and families, to ensure that they receive the best possible support and advocacy to restore dignity and relief for families and to help them cope and recover. Through trauma-informed approaches, you will:

• listen to families and advocate for them in a complex system that too often treats them as passive participants and overlooks the value of their insight;
• provide information, support, guidance, advice and advocacy on Domestic Homicide Reviews, Mental Health Reviews, Inquests, Independent Office of Police Conduct inquiries and other types of Inquiries;
• manage families’ expectations of the legal and procedural processes facing them by supporting families in meetings with agencies such as health, police and local authorities;
• give families practical help on a wide range of issues - including help with letter writing or advocating with employers and local authorities on the families’ behalf;
• Support AAFDA in our bringing families together in AAFDA’s peer support events, such as the Hear Our Voice weekend and the on-line peer support Zoom sessions, where families can speak with others to share their experiences and stories. This will involve occasional evening work.

This role is offered on a full-time basis.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• Excellent development and training opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Scheme
• Employee Assist Scheme

Job Title: Advocate

(Multi-disciplinary- Non statutory advocacy in a secure mental health unit & NHS Complaints primarily Warrington but also covering Halton when required. Other roles within the statutory advocacy service maybe required at certain times including the Relevant Persons Representative (RPR) when individuals are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).

Hours: Part time- 22.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £24,150- £26,250 Full Time Equivalent based on experience and qualifications

Location: Hospital and Community venues throughout Halton, Widnes, Warrington, and some home working

Job outline

Advocate needed for a busy statutory advocacy HUB based in Widnes.

Are you looking for a job where your qualities and expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives?

Hoping for a varied, interesting workload as part of a friendly, supportive team? 
If so, then read on!

A bit about us

Engaging Communities Solutions CIC (Community Interest Company) (or ECS for short) are an independent Community Interest Company that delivers Healthwatch and advocacy services throughout England. Our mission is to ensure people get their voices heard and that people are empowered.

Through our Advocacy HUB in Halton, which also covers NHS Complaints Advocacy provision for Warrington, we offer free, confidential, and independent advocacy support to residents who need help to get their voice heard in relation to health and social care needs.

We have a team of amazing and dedicated staff who provide high-quality, confidential, independent advocacy services, supporting people, often vulnerable and/or excluded from services and communities, in having a say about issues that are important to them and decisions that are being made about their lives.

For more information about advocacy and what we do, please go to our main ECS website and see the local website for Healthwatch Halton and the advocacy HUB, where this role will be based 

About the role

We are looking to recruit a permanent multi-skilled advocate to join our busy Halton Advocacy HUB multi-disciplinary team, working 22.5 hours per week.

Based in Halton, for this exciting multi-disciplinary role, we are looking for those with a particular interest in Non-Statutory Advocacy as the role will be based in a secure unit for up to two days a week. This role involves providing general advocacy support to patients in supporting form filling, sourcing general information, signposting and general low-level concerns and safeguarding issues around their care not covered by the IMHA role.  The role also covers the NHS Complaints Advocacy in our Warrington HUB (or Halton Hub when required), helping people who need support in making a complaint about their care and treatment under the NHS.

We also require a talented person to undertake the role of the RPR to support individuals detained under the Mental capacity Act on a DoLS when needed.

What we need from you

We are looking for someone who has the creativity and enthusiasm to support people in difficult circumstances, ideally has experience in a health or social care and may have their own life experiences relevant to the role. Although it would be useful to already hold a formal advocacy qualification, if you have not got advocacy qualifications it is not a problem, we will provide the required training.

You will be working from a secure mental health unit for up to two days a week and then the rest of the week will either be working from home so must have access to a stable home broadband service. There will also be an element of the role where you will be out in the community, but not exclusively, in Warrington, Halton, Widnes and Runcorn areas and therefore you must have access to your own transport.

There may be times when work is required outside normal working hours, so flexibility is required.

What happens next

If we sound like an organisation you would like to work for, please go to Job Vacancies on our Healthwatch Halton website: and select the role for further information, including the Job Description/Person specification.

Completed applications are to be sent via email 

All applicants invited to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic where possible) of their right to work in the UK. New employee start dates will only be confirmed once relevant checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, and 2 satisfactory references have been received.

Closing Date:      4 October 2024 @ 5pm

Interview Date:   9 October 2024

Interview venue: In person- Healthwatch Halton and Advocacy HUB offices, Tan House Lane, Widnes, WA8 0RR

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Elizabeth Learoyd, Managing Director 

Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS) values equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, particularly from under-represented groups.

NB: ECS reserves the right to bring forward the closing date if it believes sufficient applications are received to make an appointment.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Essex. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Essex. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.  

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part time colleagues
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 09:00 on 30 September 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?  

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Manchester and Greater Manchester.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain or to already hold, the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact us via our website for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; 5pm on 02/10/24

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please follow the link to our website.

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training. 

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

Due to the award of a new contract, we are looking for new Advocates to join our team in Fife and the surrounding area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support or already have a Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by Scottish Government, local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for Advocates to join our team covering Fife and the surrounding area. You will be involved in one-to-one advocacy along with group work across the area; this could be in a clients’ home, hospital, care homes or other suitable community venues and be home based for administrative tasks.  Therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

This is a full time role for 35 hours per week, applicants who do not hold the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy will start on £22,500 per annum.

About you

We actively encourage applications from those who are long term unemployed.

Desirably you will have some experience of working, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, attending tribunals or review meetings ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education, training, benefits, employment, care and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  This can be through 1-2-1 advocacy or in a group setting.

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain or to already hold, the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values, and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; midnight on Sunday 29th September, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete this within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Starting salary of £30,000 per annum | Full-time (35 hours per week) | Permanent

These posts will be based in various West London locations (primarily Ealing) and will also involve some community based and remote working dependent on client, service delivery and organisational requirements

About us

Women and Girls Network (WGN) was established in 1987 and has spent over 30 years supporting women and girls across London affected by gendered violence. This includes childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, prostitution (including trafficking and sexual exploitation), female genital mutilation (FGM), and so-called ‘honour’ based crimes such as forced marriage.

About the role

Due to additional funding, Women and Girls Network (WGN) is now seeking various additional Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA) to join our team of ISVAs at the West London Rape Crisis Centre. There are three opportunities within the ISVA service; we are hoping to recruit a Black Women’s ISVA and two generic ISVAs. When applying, please see the related application packs and indicate which role/s you would like to be considered for

Our team of ISVAs provide high quality, specialist support to women in London who have experienced any form of sexual violence and are engaging (or considering engaging) with the criminal justice system. 

About you

The ideal post holders will be experienced in working within a multi-agency framework to provide direct and dedicated advocacy support to women. If you have the proven ability of supporting women to access the advocacy, support and services they need including routes to accessing justice and are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, then we would love to hear from you. We’re seeking ISVAs who will thrive in a multi-cultural feminist environment. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have experience of working with one or more of the following: 

• Women and girls from Black, Minority, and Global Majority communities – ensuring that issues related to diversity and identity are effectively understood and sensitively worked with

• Women and girls with mental health presentations including high risk and multiple needs

• Experience of supporting survivors through the criminal justice process from report to court and post-trial as necessary

• Experience of working from a multidisciplinary approach – supporting and advocating for survivors to access the services they require including forensic medical examination, therapeutic support, sexual health, housing and mental health services

• The ability to offer effective short term and longer-term support and interventions

How to apply

Please visit our website to download an application pack. Completed application form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring forms should be submitted by 9am on Monday 30th September 2024.

Interview details

Interviews are expected to take place in person in the week commencing Monday 7th October 2024, however, please note that dates may be subject to change.

Further Information

This post is subject to satisfactory references, social media screening and a DBS check.

WGN’s employee benefits include: 3% pension contribution, enhanced leave entitlement and an Employee Assistance Programme, as well as the opportunity to work with a leading multi-cultural, women-led feminist charity.

We welcome and encourage applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic communities.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer. Posts are exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate to supporting women and children who are impacted by domestic violence. 

The independent domestic violence advocate will work closely with victims of domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse, from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence at the highest risk and their children. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.

The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The job involves ensuring that women are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment and enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This role includes attendance at the office in Warwick district. Travel around Warwickshire for client appointments is essential to role, therefore use of a car essential.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

About the service

Children and young people who are looked after don’t always have a trusted adult that they can rely upon for support, with many young people not having someone that they can talk to or trust.

Our independent visitor service provides looked after children and young people with an adult volunteer who spends time with them, offering support and friendship whilst being a positive role model to enable young people to build on their confidence and self-esteem, whilst helping learn new skills and raise their aspirations.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic IV Coordinator who will be responsible for the day to day running of the independent visitor service in Solihull and Bedford, splitting your time between these two services working 27 hours for Solihull and 8 hours for Bedford.

You will be responsible for managing and developing a pool of volunteers which includes the recruitment, training, and induction of new volunteers to become volunteer independent visitors, before matching them with a young person who has been referred to the service.

You will provide continuous support to volunteers to ensure that the service is being delivered to a high standard, and that children and young people are safeguarded at all times.

You will also be responsible for monitoring volunteer visits, budgets and ensuring that risk assessments are undertaken as required, whilst acting as a link between NYAS and the local authority by liaising with social workers, carers and other professionals.

For more information, please view the attached job description below.

This role is a home-based role however to meet the requirements of the role you must live within the geographical area.

In your application, you will need to evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria laid out in the person specification, within the job description attached. Requirements include:

• Proven experience of face-to-face work with children and young people in a social care setting, particularly children in care.
• Knowledge and experience of the recruitment and training of staff and/ or volunteers.
• Experience and an understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

Are you committed to working in partnership to empower people with learning disabilities and autistic people to work through trauma and find justice? 

We are seeking 2 Specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) to join our Advocacy team at Respond. The role includes providing pro-active emotional, practical and advocacy support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people with complex or multiple needs who have experienced any form of sexual violence and are engaging, (or considering engaging) with the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work across London to provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed emotional support, working in partnership with other London sexual violence support services. 

Our ideal candidate will have a friendly and relational approach to working with clients.  You will have the ability to build trusting relationships, work in an empowering and inclusive way and support clients to heal following sexual abuse and develop coping capacity. You will be a self-motivated individual who will engage with a wider range of people who have experience sexual violence, and other barriers to justice.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive and passionate team, and you will be supported by the ISVA Service Manager in your ongoing development. Respond values and encourages working in a collaborative and compassionate way, as we support each other to address one of the most enduring injustices; of the experience of trauma to autistic people and people with learning disabilities and their families.

This post is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 and is only open to women. 

Background information about Respond   

Respond started in 1991 and has grown from a small London based charity to a medium sized national charity in recent years.  Our mission is to reduce the impact of trauma in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, by developing trusting relationships, through psychotherapeutically informed services.  

An important part of our work at Respond is working in a trauma-informed way. What this means for us is that we hold in mind the impact of trauma at all levels of the organisation, and all staff take part in reflective practice or team dynamics.     

We are keen to encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates including people with lived experience, who are both interested in working in partnership to provide advocacy support, as well as supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. 

We are committed to the furthering of human rights, equality, and positive social change through our therapeutic and advocacy work and are committed to anti-racism and other forms of anti-discriminatory practice. We recognise that we need to continually keep this as a focus in our work and as an integral part of our organisational strategy.    

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re resilient and passionate about advocacy, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement in the person specification, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable for this role.  You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles within the organisation. 

Respond Benefits package (all per financial year)

We offer a generous and comprehensive package of flexible benefits to all of our staff.

• Hybrid working model, which means that if you’re full time you make a commitment to be working in the office at least two days a week, with the remainder working from home.  Part time hours are altered accordingly.   

• Generous paid leave benefits including 28.5 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), with some to be taken between Christmas and New year.

• Up to 4 weeks paid sickness leave at full pay and a further 4 weeks at half pay,

• Discretionary study leave to support training relevant to your role. 

• Paid leave to employees who may need to take one day off a year when a religious festival falls on a workday.

• Up to 5 days paid time off for dependents per financial year.

• Opportunity to apply for up to 2 days (14 hours) paid leave per year to participate in volunteering activities relevant to the role.      

• Access to a workplace pension scheme, administered by NEST, with a minimum 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution from commencement of employment. 

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes 24/7 telephone service and counselling.     

Note all of the above days per annum stated are pro rata’d for part time employees. 

If you’d like to find out more about this role, please read through the job description and our person specification. When you apply, please send a CV and address the points in the person specification in an accompanying supporting statement.   Your statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4. 

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and we may close applications early. 

Deadline for all applications: Friday 11th October 2024 

Position available: 4

Location: Hybrid/outreach in Islington/Barnet/Hackney/Enfield

Salary: (Salary Band 2.3) £30,765.38 - £32,887.13 per annum, pro rata. (Please note, successful candidates are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hour per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2025 (likelihood of funding extension )

Closing Date: 14th October 2024 at 12 midday

Interview Date: 23rd October 2024

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as Specialist WiSER advocate at Solace Women's Aid.  

We exist to end the harm done through gender-based violence. Our aim is to work to prevent violence and abuse, as well as providing services to meet the individual needs of survivors, particularly women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives, free from abuse.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

The WiSER Project (Women’s Safe Engagement and Recovery Project) began in April 2018 and works across 8 London Boroughs. The service provides an intensive outreach intervention and model of support for women experiencing VAWG and severe multiple disadvantage. The service aims to improve outcomes across the following key areas of women’s lives: access to support and services, health and safety, economic wellbeing, opportunities to enjoy and achieve.

About the Role

They changed my life and they put me in the right direction. Everything, absolutely everything. Housing, hospital, access, everything (WiSER Client). 

 The work is an assertive outreach caseworker role; an Advocate will be responsible for supporting 5 women in their assigned borough. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the intersection between severe and multiple disadvantage and VAWG and a strong understanding of how this can make it difficult for women to engage with support. You will have worked with people experiencing various aspects of severe and multiple disadvantage: homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, insecure immigration status, prostitution, offending history and children taken into care.

About You

• Demonstrable experience of working with people affected by VAWG
• Experience of risk assessment, risk management, and safety planning with victim/survivors including those at high risk
• Experience of working with people affected by severe and multiple disadvantage: homelessness, substance use, mental health issues, insecure immigration status, prostitution and offending behaviour
• Experience of multi-agency partnership working
• A sound working knowledge of the practical, emotional, social and economic issues facing women and children affected by domestic abuse
• Knowledge of housing, welfare and policy relating to domestic abuse
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding for adults and children
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and display effective time management skills
• Ability to manage and monitor a small service user welfare budget

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important. If you wish to learn more about the role or if you are unsure about whether to apply, we encourage you to contact our recruitment team at re

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

Please send your CV and Supporting Statement outlining your interest in working for Solace via the recruitment portal and explain how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Profile Document.

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. If you require any support to apply for this role, please email us.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

This is a new and exciting role in Refuge, and the post holder will be embedded within borough housing teams to facilitate the dual working that will ensure that survivors’ safety and housing needs are met. The post holder will be based within housing teams for three days a week, to help facilitate.

• Close working relationships with Housing colleagues
• Provision of specialist knowledge relating to DA for Housing Officers and Homelessness Teams to draw on
• Specialist support for survivors at the moment of crisis
• Provision of advocacy; supporting survivors to access safe accommodation
• Ongoing support from the IGVA from wider DA service, including access to group clinical supervision, casework management meetings, reflective practice sessions, one-to-one supervision from service manager

This recognises that many survivors will approach Housing at moments of crisis, when they are either considering fleeing, or have already fled.

The housing IGVA will carry a caseload of survivors and their children that require additional support. They will work closely with victims of domestic abuse from the point of crisis, to provide high quality independent advocacy and support to survivors of domestic abuse at the highest risk and their children.

They will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. They will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options.

The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

About the Role:

As a Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker, you will be responsible for delivering targeted, person-centred interventions for individuals within SHP’s Camden Adult Pathway Hostels. Your role will involve holding a designated caseload and working closely with the wider client group through our in-house recovery programme. With a strong focus on harm minimisation, dual diagnosis, and strengths/recovery frameworks, you’ll help to empower service users to make positive changes and progress towards independence.

This is a unique role that requires you to build relationships of trust with service users, many of whom have faced significant barriers such as mental health challenges, substance use, and complex trauma. Your support will enable them to access crucial assessments, interventions, and treatments, enhancing their ability to utilise external statutory and community resources. You will also provide guidance and best practice standards to Project Workers, helping to set a benchmark of excellence in delivering complex needs support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist interventions and personalised support for service users, including those with complex needs such as mental health issues, substance use, and physical health challenges.
• Develop and implement person-centred support plans, monitor individual progress, and ensure best practice is adhered to within the service.
• Work dynamically with service managers, project workers, and other professionals within the Camden Accommodation Pathway to deliver tailored interventions and improve outcomes for service users.
• Foster proactive working relationships with Adult Social Care, Health, Mental Health, and other specialist providers to improve access and opportunities for service users.
• Advocate for service users with experience of rough sleeping, helping them access the necessary assessment, intervention, and treatment to achieve recovery and maintain stability.
• Facilitate group work and support the in-house recovery programme, promoting a holistic approach to recovery and independence.

About You:

• Demonstrable experience working with individuals facing homelessness or complex needs, such as mental health challenges, substance use, and physical health issues. Experience in residential or accommodation-based services is a plus.
• A strong understanding of the health and social care sector, including how to navigate between and across specialties. A deep understanding of the barriers service users face on their journey towards independence, such as domestic violence, anger management, and learning impairments.
• Excellent person-centred engagement skills, group work facilitation, and the ability to manage complex caseloads. Strong team-working skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals.
• The ability to create, develop, and implement support plans, with strong time management skills and the ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands, and maintain high standards.
• A passion for supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society and the resilience to work within a challenging but rewarding environment. You will also have the ability to critically reflect on your own practice and continuously strive for improvement.

About us:

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. We support individuals across London, helping them overcome homelessness and complex challenges through tailored support, accommodation, and advocacy. Each year, we make a real difference in the lives of over 10,000 single Londoners.

By joining us as a Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker, you’ll be part of a compassionate and forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation, professional development, and the wellbeing of both staff and service users.

If you are passionate about working with people facing multiple disadvantages and want to contribute to a charity that’s leading the way in homelessness prevention and recovery, apply today! This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a supportive, collaborative, and driven team that’s dedicated to making a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 13 October at Midnight

Rounds of Interviews: From Tuesday 22nd October

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant.

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

· Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.