Mental Health Advocate Jobs

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 an Advocate to join our team in Newham. 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 Newham. 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.  

This is a full-time role for 35 hours per week, applicants who do not hold the IAP or IAQ qualification will start on £24,500 per annum. 

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 on our website.  Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications: 9am 10 February 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

 Interview date: Friday 14 February 2025

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.

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.

Join the mental health mission and choose a career that changes lives. 

Get paid to train as a social worker and specialise in supporting adults with mental health needs.

With Think Ahead, you could: 

• Train and work in your local area and make a difference in your community. 

• Earn as you learn with dedicated support from experienced social workers and academic tutors.

• Gain a fully-funded postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in just two years. 

The Think Ahead programme 

Think Ahead offers a paid two-year social work training programme, partnering with NHS trusts and local authorities across England. Each year we train up to 160 social workers, bringing passionate people into the sector and strengthening mental health services. 

Joining a unit of fellow trainees, you’ll learn on the job, working alongside mental health professionals and learning from senior social workers.

By training with Think Ahead, you’ll be joining the mental health mission and beginning a worthwhile career in the social work sector. 

Who are we looking for? 

We want people who can make a real difference and help people living with mental illness. You don’t need any prior experience of social work, but you will need to:

• Hold or be predicted to hold a 2:2 in a subject other than social work. 
• Hold at least a grade C at GCSE level in Maths, and in English or English Language (not English Literature), or an equivalent level 2 qualification.  
• Have the right to remain and work in the UK (including access to public funds) for the entire duration of the programme. 

We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups within the mental health and social work sector, including people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities, people with disabilities, and those who identify as being part of the LGBT+ community. We also encourage men to apply, as they are also currently underrepresented. 

For full details you can take our eligibility checker. 

About the role 

Mental health social work is a highly varied role that offers a wide range of opportunities to support the lives of people with mental health needs. 

Using a social approach, you will help them address a diverse range of factors including relationships, housing, and employment, that are often overlooked in treatment of mental illness. 

This might include standing up for someone’s legal rights in the workplace; reconnecting them with friends, family and their local community; or working with local authorities to make sure they are living in accommodation that is suitable for their needs. 

How to apply

Registrations for 2025 are open now! Early applications are encouraged as some locations will close sooner than others. 

Job Title: Advocacy Manager

Location: Office base: Mary Seacole House, 91 Upper Parliament Street, Liverpool

                  Advocate Support: Various locations within Liverpool City Region                                                          

Reports to: CEO

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum (pro-rata 6 months)

Term: 6 month temporary appointment

Hours of employment: Full-time 35 hours per week

Benefits:

•    28 days annual leave (pro-rata 6 months)
•    Employee Assistance Program
•    Pension Scheme

Mary Seacole House is a Mental Health Charity & Resource Service that provides mental health, well-being support and advocacy to meet the diverse cultural needs of the primarily Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities of Liverpool.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Mary Seacole House for a temporary appointment as Advocacy Manager to join our advocacy team.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a good understanding and reach within Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic cultures and have a passion for supporting people with minority ethnic backgrounds to:

• Manage the delivery of the current Advocacy contracts including meeting the requirements of the contract e.g., targets, data gathering and monitoring.
• Conduct Advocacy team meetings and management and supervision of all Advocacy staff.

You will have strong experience of delivering services to vulnerable adults who are affected by significant health and social care issues who find it difficult to speak up for themselves; and experience providing persuasive verbal and written representations.

You will be leading a team supporting beneficiaries with a range of different types of support including at care team meetings, discharge meetings, at drop-ins and with group meetings.

You will be a confident positive team leader and player, able to work in partnership with clients, partners and professionals, gaining an understanding of their issues by listening, exploring options and taking action as directed by them. Our ideal candidate will have worked in advocacy, information and advice or similar role before, ideally in a health, social care or voluntary setting and will have experience of working with vulnerable adults.

A full induction will be provided as well as ongoing peer mentoring and support.

We would like to encourage applicants who have an ethnic minority background to apply for this role.

Duties will include:

• Lead and manage the team in the delivery of outcome focused, issue based, person directed advocacy, in line with the relevant legislation for the advocacy discipline, regulations, codes of practice and internal policy and procedures.
• Responsible for the effective triaging of referrals and allocations of casework to all advocates, trainee advocates, apprenticeships, and volunteers after considering prioritisation of cases, current caseloads and skill set.
• To ensure the timely completion of high-quality commissioning monitoring reports and case studies.
• Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all team data.
• To work proactively with the statutory services to promote the service, problem solve and uphold the agreed engagement protocols.
• To identify risks in delivering the service and ensure compliance with risk management procedures
• To support and empower service users to make informed decisions about their care and treatment and to take greater control over their lives.
• To maintain and operate within professional advocacy standards in accordance with advocacy guidelines and to ensure that all individuals are supported to advocate, including the safeguarding of rights relating to those individuals defined as not having capacity/insight.
• To communicate appropriately with clients, relevant professionals, stakeholders, and other parties in accordance with statutory and non-statutory advocacy roles, commissioning requirements with all communications adhering to the Data Protection Act.
• To escalate concerns or complaints professionally to relevant public bodies as instructed by clients or otherwise where appropriate.
• To contribute to ensuring that the diverse needs and wishes of all clients and potential clients can be met, including all conditions, disabilities and impairments, people whose first language is not English and people who communicate non-verbally.
• To promote awareness of statutory rights and resources available to individuals.

• To report any safeguarding issues to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

• Adhere to all relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures in relation to safeguarding. 

A DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be required for this post.

Granby Community Mental Health Group is an Equal Opportunities employer.

This peer support project is delivered in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to support Carers of people with mental health conditions.  This project will work to support Carers through one-to-one support, outreach, training and peer support groups.

About The Role: 

Using your lived experience of caring for someone with a mental health condition, and a strengths-based approach, you will support mental health Carers in their caring role.  You will provide person centred one-to-one- support, information, signposting, and advocacy, develop, and facilitate peer support groups and deliver training and outreach sessions at different locations across the borough. 

Key Requirements Include: 

• Lived experience of Caring for someone with a mental health condition 

• Knowledge and understanding of mental health and the associated challenges and support needs. 

• The ability to work within the principles and values of peer support. 

• Confidence supporting people on a one-to-one basis. 

• Experience of / ability to facilitate peer support groups and training. 

• Clear communication and good interpersonal skills  

• Efficient organisation and time management skills 

• Developed IT skills, with experience using databases and communication platforms. 

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Cardiff and Swansea. We provide Independent Mental Health and Mental Capacity Advocacy Services across most of South Wales, employing 44 employees.

About the role

The post holder will provide support to clients who lack capacity and to implement the safeguards of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 or the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. They will provide non-instructed advocacy (NIA) support to people who lack capacity to make specific decisions and who have no-one else to support them. The successful candidate will travel efficiently and effectively within the Advocacy Support Cymru area of operation.

This role will operate within the Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda University Health Board Areas.

About you

You will have experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children, either within health or social care setting, or indirectly, for example as a carer. You will understand and have experience of working effectively in an intra-agency context with Health and Social Care Professionals. Knowledge of the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate as defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is essential.

Previous direct experience in the role would be preferred but training will be provided.

Essential Information

• The salary band for the role is £24,725 to £29,202, based on a 37 hour week.
• This post is for 37 hours a week and is based in our Swansea office.
• All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check.
• Closing Date: 5pm, 7 February 2025.
• Only successful candidates will be contacted for interview. Interviews will be conducted in English.

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 or have an interest in people 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 continued contract growth, we are looking for new Advocates to join our team in Manchester. 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 exciting opportunities for Advocates to join our team covering 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. 

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 already hold, the Level 4 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with specialisms suitable for the role undertaken. To develop yourself for an exciting new career

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
• All travel expenses paid

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; 7th February however, VoiceAbility may interview suitable candidates before this date and 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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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 or have an interest in people 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 continued contract growth, we are looking for new Advocates to join our team in Greater Manchester. 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 exciting opportunities for Advocates to join our team covering 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. 

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 already hold, the Level 4 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with specialisms suitable for the role undertaken. To develop yourself for an exciting new career

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
• All travel expenses paid

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; 7th February however, VoiceAbility may interview suitable candidates before this date and 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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

• advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or    wellbeing
• user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services
• local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback
•  innovative Personal Health Budget projects that allow people to access items and services to improve their wellbeing.

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

The post-holder will provide independent advocacy in various settings, including in the community, people’s homes, and hospital settings including mental health wards. You’ll raise awareness of advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the Advocacy Service Manager. 

You will work as part of the Ealing advocacy team. You may also need to carry out your role in other London boroughs.

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will be required to visit CQC registered care homes and would be subject to government requirements.

Key responsibilities

î  Provide advocacy for eligible people under Mental Health Act 2007, the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and under the Care Act 2014.

î  Provide a one-to-one advocacy service for people and undertake case work, evidencing and uploading case notes and data in a timely manner.

î  Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy, where appropriate.

î  Provide information, support or signpost clients in order to inform or empower individuals on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.

î  Act as duty advocate for our Single Point of Access referral line on a rota basis.

î  Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.

î  Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).

î  Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients, where practical.

î  Raise awareness of independent advocacy and referring pathways to eligible people and referring agencies.

î  Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.

î  Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).

î  Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.

î  Be an active member of the advocacy service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training.

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development.

î  Contribute to monitoring reports.

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values.

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

î  Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.

î  Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.

î  Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.

î  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.

î  IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).

î  Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.

î  Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.

î  Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.

î  Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Experience of delivering different forms of advocacy (instructed and non-instructed; IMHA, ICAA, IMCA, IHCA,) within a statutory advocacy service.

î  Knowledge of the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act / Care Act and other statutory legislation as it applies to advocacy.

î  Knowledge of mental health sections and social care services, including current issues in policy and practice.

î  Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.

î  Advocacy qualification.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

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 two new Advocates 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: 5pm on Friday 6 February 2025, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

 Interview date: Friday 14 February 2025

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.

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.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Connectors (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 622
Working base: Leighton Buzzard or Dunstable (2 available locations)
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37.0 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.

This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.

Service Delivery

• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks in your respective area
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Am enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Identify and build good working relationships with the community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Competently work as part of a blended team, under direction from Mind BLMK and ELFT, working with independence and in an agile way to support people with complex mental health challenges.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Monday 17 February 2025
Interview date: TBC
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

The role is a key part of the Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK Policy and Advocacy team, contributing to the implementation of our three-year strategy and maximising the impact of our policy and advocacy function. The team focuses on influencing UK health and migration policy, improving access to NHS services for minoritised communities and populations and strengthening the right to health in the UK.

The post holder will play a critical role in ensuring DOTW UK’s advocacy and influencing work is informed by our service users’ experiences and seeks to bring about the changes they want to see. To this end, the role will lead work with DOTWs expert by experience group, liaising and coordinating different engagement activities, identifying co-production opportunities and supporting members of the group to meaningfully participate in the organisation’s advocacy work and drive change.

Those with lived experience of migration, the asylum system, homelessness, or exclusion from health services are encouraged to apply. 

Mental Health Support Worker

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges on a long term basis? Do you thrive in a supportive and compassionate environment, where you can truly make a difference? 

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! 

We are looking for a driven person to join the charity’s Mental Health Team who can support members from the Gypsy and Traveller community across West Yorkshire

Position: Mental Health Support Worker

Location: West Yorkshire/hybrid

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £27,412.50

Contract: 12 months in the first instance (subject to funding)

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, hybrid working where the role allows, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and free parking.

Closing Date: 6th February 2025

Interview Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025

The Role

The role aims to support Gypsy and Traveller communities to improve health and wellbeing by provision of good quality and accessible information, signposting, short interventions, courses, volunteering and campaigns. The work will be co-designed and delivered with our community members and in partnership with a range of local services. It will embed principles such as the Making Every Contact Count and Asset Based Community Development to encourage community led change around health and wellbeing.

About You

With empathy and interpersonal and relationship building skills, you will have excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in stressful situations. You will be proficient in de-escalation techniques for effective crisis management.

You will have an awareness and understanding to manage the mental state of individuals and the ability to:

• Support individuals with mental illnesses and engage them with relevant services.

• Remain balanced and nonjudgmental while listening to individuals.

• Network and form good working connections with external services and partners across West Yorkshire.

• Use a computer, including proficiency in the use of word processing and data entry tools.

PLEASE NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted for this role, you will be redirected through to the charity’s website where you will need to complete their application form 

About the Organisation

You will be joining a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. This is an established and award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile.  Recognised as being innovative, brave and creative.  The overall aim of the charity is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies and Travellers through addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. There are a number of community-facing and strategic projects to achieve aims including advocacy, community development and youth work. 

You may also have experience in areas such as Mental Health, Mental Health Support Worker, Mental Health Support, Mental Health Care Worker, Mental Health Case, Mental Health and Wellbeing, PBS, Positive Behavioural Support.  #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Job Title: Advocate

Service: Coram Voice

Contract Type: Part Time, permanent

Hours: 10 hour per week

Salary: £6,531 (FTE £22,858.53)

Location: Home based with travel to a Secure Children’s Home, South Gloucestershire (near Bristol)

We are looking for a dedicated Children’s Advocate to join our team and visit a secure children’s home in South Gloucestershire, near Bristol, to represent and amplify the voices of young people aged 10 to 18 who are in secure care.

About Coram:

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the 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 exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people and empower them 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.

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 is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.

Our Advocacy services offer direct support to children and young people in care, those in need, those in custody, care leavers, and those with mental health needs. Advocates across the country help ensure these young individuals have a voice in decisions about their lives. This support can be provided via a telephone helpline or through one-on-one advocacy, such as assisting a child at a review meeting or helping them file a complaint about their care. Coram Voice delivers visiting advocacy services to secure units nationwide, including Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools, and children’s homes.

About the Secure Unit:

The Secure Home accommodates up to 24 children, divided between two areas: 16 in the main home, which includes an educational unit, and a separate home for up to 8 young people. The children in this home require a secure placement for their protection and rehabilitation, and our role is to ensure that their rights are respected at every stage of their care.

About the Role:

As a Children’s Advocate, you will be an essential independent voice for the children in this secure home. You will regularly visit the home, meet with the children, and ensure their voices are heard in the decisions that affect their lives. Your advocacy will be pivotal in promoting their rights, safeguarding their well-being, and ensuring that their concerns and wishes are respected within the care planning process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with the children, creating an open and safe environment for them to voice their concerns.
• Conduct regular visits to the secure home to meet with the children, ensuring they feel safe and supported in expressing their views.
• Represent children’s interests ensuring their voices are heard in decisions about their care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Advocate for the Childrens rights, ensuring they understand their entitlements and are fully informed about decisions affecting them.
• Collaborate with care staff, social workers, youth offending team workers and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to safeguarding and supporting each young person, as directed by the wishes of the child.
• Ensure that safeguarding issues are identified and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in children advocacy, youth work, or social care, particularly with children and young people in residential, secure, or care settings.
• Knowledge of children’s rights, safeguarding practices, care and youth justice system.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage children or young people from diverse backgrounds and support them in expressing their views.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to ensuring that children’s voices are heard and that they are supported in making informed decisions about their lives.
• Empathy, professionalism, and a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people . As an independent advocate, you will have the chance to ensure that children & young people’s voices are always heard, that their rights are upheld, and that they are supported in making decisions about their future.

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 plus 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:

Shortlisting will be undertaken by our Children’s Rights Managers. Successful candidates will then 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.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

• We cannot accept 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: Monday 10th February 2025 at 12pm

Interview date: Week starting 17th February 2025

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.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Mental Health Recovery Worker
Post no: 625
Working base: Bedfordshire (Biggleswade & Bedford)
Hours: 12.25 hours per week, 2 days per week
Working pattern: 5:00pm – 11:00pm (Friday in Biggleswade and Sunday in Bedford)
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £24,088 per annum FTE (£7,975.08 per annum Actual)

Could you support individuals to deescalate crisis, provide preventative sessions and improve mental health and wellbeing with service users in our communities, through focussed 1:1s and structured crisis interventions.

About the Role

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Bedford and Biggleswade Recovery Lounge services for adults which aims to improve people’s mental wellbeing, raise aspirations and enhance confidence. This role involves supporting a community safe space and delivering 1:1s when required and you will need to assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost where necessary.

About the Recovery Lounge Service

Mind BLMK Recovery Lounges (formally known as Crisis Café) are open each evening in Bedfordshire and Luton please see the timetable below for the days its near you. Anyone from Bedfordshire and Luton is welcome at any location. The service operates from 5pm-11pm 365 days of the year and can support you to get well, stay well.

The Recovery Lounge provides individuals with:

• A supportive and safe environment where they can decompress, take some quiet time, speak, and connect with others
• A one-to-one session with a trained mental health worker
• Support to identify positive mental health coping strategies, including goal and safety plans
• Advice and guidance about other support services available in their area (and nationally).

Service Delivery

• Deliver preventative focussed 1:1s when required, supporting a community focused safe space and ensure outcomes which supports individuals experiencing a mental health challenge including crisis in Central Bedfordshire & Bedfordshire, in line with Mind BLMK’s agreed service and requirements as well as contract requirements.
• Assessing need and suitability for the service in line with the access to services process and undertaking 1:1s.
• Contribute to maintaining an effective volunteer workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (workload planning and support).
• Carry out Cash Handling, Health and Safety and Data Collection responsibilities as directed by the Team Leader in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures, requirements and guidance.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on 31st January 2025 
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.