Mental Health Advocate Jobs

Assert is a small team of advocates working as a project within Mental Health Resource charity and as part of the Kent Advocacy partnership. We provide high quality, issue-based advocacy and statutory IMHA services to individuals affected by mental health problems, often detained in medium and low secure units and in acute inpatient settings. We also provide community advocacy in West Kent, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.It can be a tough job, but in return you will receive competitive pay, training, benefits and have the support of a strong team. You will have the opportunity to expand on your existing skills and attributes required for the role. Training will be provided if you are not yet qualified as an IMHA.

You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and show confidence and assertiveness when required. You will understand the diverse needs of people affected by mental health problems and how these differ for those detained in inpatient settings from those requiring support in the community. You will need to be resilient, comfortable working within professional boundaries and have the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments. In addition, you will have strong organisational skills and be able to work on your own initiative, as well as within a team.

You will have a natural confident and calm manner and key skills of honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for confidentiality.

You will be passionate about mental health advocacy. Ideally, you will have experience of working as an advocate, and if you are not qualified as an IMHA, you will be expected to undertake training. The IMHA training takes approx. 1 year. *

A willingness to work within a diverse range of environments is essential as is the ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. A current driving licence and access to your own transport is essential. 

The role is offered on a full-time basis, however part-time hours will also be considered. You will be office-based in Maidstone with scope for hybrid working where practical. We offer attractive benefits including a competitive salary, flexible working, up to 4% pension contributions, generous annual leave rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service, birthday leave, winter wellbeing leave,  employee assistance programme, strong team support and clinical supervision.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the role.

For further information please read the job description and person specification. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role or require further information, please contact Leigh Attwood. To apply, send a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with copy of your current CV.

Only applications with a covering letter will be considered for shortlisting.

Closing date: Monday 2nd December at 9am

Interview date: Tuesday 10th December in person in Maidstone

Mental Health Resource is committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

* In line with our organisational policy, if you leave within a certain timeframe, you may be asked to repay the cost of the training

JOB SUMMARY

To provide statutory issue-based advocacy to people detained in acute psychiatric hospitals and forensic hospitals/rehab units across West Kent and community advocacy to people with mental health difficulties in the community in West Kent, ensuring that their views, wishes and needs are taken into account and expressed and heard.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To provide independent mental health advocacy to eligible patients in accordance with the provisions Mental Health Act 2007 as amended and as detailed in the Code of Practice to the Act

2. To provide independent, issue-based advocacy in the community as appropriate.

3. Ascertain the needs and wishes of clients and act only under instruction of clients.

4. To telephone and meet with clients on the ward or another convenient location to help them prepare for meetings and to attend appointments with them to speak on their behalf if required, take notes and ensure that they understand the proceedings.

5. To help clients understand what is being considered around their care, treatment and support and the impact of any decisions made.

6. For independent mental health advocacy, to explain to people what their options and rights are and to support them to communicate their wishes so that they can participate as fully as possible in the decisions affecting their care.

7. To liaise with, and on occasion to challenge, NHS, care professionals or local authorities as appropriate to ensure that due processes have been followed.

8. To raise any safeguarding issues in line with Mental Health Resource’s policy and procedures.

9. To maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions with clients in accordance with statutory requirements, relevant legislation and in line with the requirements of our funders.

10.  To meet monthly targets for chargeable work, by service delivery and accurately recording details of work completed on the database in a timely manner.

11.  To provide information, reports and statistics as required.

12.  To develop and share good practice and learning with colleagues and contribute to the promotion of a culture of continuous service improvement and support.

13.  To deliver awareness raising sessions to staff on wards and training to staff on advocacy and the service available.

14.  To build and maintain good working relationships with professionals, attending meetings and promoting the service.

15.  To promote the service through the distribution of publicity material, liaison with statutory and voluntary services and where appropriate through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed charity policies

16.  To undertake appropriate training in order to gain an advocacy qualification.

GENERAL

17.  To attend and participate in meetings of the project team, charity staff and other bodies as required.

18.  Adhere to and keep up-to-date with organisational policies, guidelines and procedures and best practice requirements

19.  Represent Mental Health Resource in a knowledgeable and professional manner at all times

20.  To participate in charity events, networking events, and any other relevant event as and when required.

21.  Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times

22.  Participate in regular supervision, team meetings and other meetings as required

23.  Identify own training and development needs in conjunction with your line manager and participate in training opportunities as directed

24.  Undertake any such additional duties as necessary in relation to the role or as requested by the Charity Manager

25.  To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.

26.  To carry out any tasks reasonably requested of them by the Line Manager

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

ADVOCATE (IMHA and General)

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria

Assessment process (A = demonstrated through application / I = demonstrated at interview) 

• Understanding and knowledge of the needs of people with mental health problems, including those detained under the mental health act   (A.I) 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences (A.I)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including on the telephone, in person, over video link and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness (A.I)
• Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments (A.I) 
• Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people (A.I) 
• Ability to work within professional boundaries (A.I) 
• Good organisational and administration skills to manage own workload and appointments (A) 
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet targets and deadlines (A.I) 
• Good time management and ability to work flexibly and prioritise tasks required (A.I) 
• Computer Literacy and a good working knowledge of Outlook and Word (A) 
• Ability to work as part of a team and act on own initiative (A.I)
• Personal commitment to equal opportunities (A.I) 
• Hold a valid driving license with access to transport in order to visit locations across West Kent (A)

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of working as an advocate. (A) 
• Experience of working with people with mental health problems either in a professional or voluntary capacity (A) 
• Experience of facilitating training (A)
• Experience of working with a database and using Excel spreadsheets (A) 
• An understanding of the statutory rights of people detained under the mental health act (A) 

The Junction is an out of hours service, open 365 evenings a year, to support and assist individuals experiencing a mental health concern. The aim is to alleviate the need for people in the Swindon locality to access A&E acute mental health services and primary care GP services unnecessarily by managing the presenting symptoms/mental health crisis along with the triggers and context for that crisis. 

As an Acute Mental Health Practitioner, you will be providing a preventative, person centred approach to people accessing the service who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

The service is open from 4PM-11PM, 365 days a year so this position will include some weekends and bank holidays. 

 
What You'll Do: 
 

• Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, elevating the mental health and emotional well-being of the people we serve, while opening doors to life's possibilities. 

• Effective Partnerships:  Ensure effective and appropriate communication with all individuals, staff, community agencies and partner organisations.  

Why Join Us: 

• Impact Matters: Join a team where your work directly transforms lives and contributes to a healthier community. 

• Personal Growth: We offer professional development opportunities that will enrich your career and help shape the future of mental health services in Swindon. 

• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a meaningful impact. 

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for Swindon. Your leadership can make all the difference. 

We have the exciting opportunity for a full time Caseworker (known internally as an Independent Victim Advisor- IVA) to join the team in North Yorkshire.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your Birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based in Harrogate, supporting victims living in the North Yorkshire area

As an IVA you will:

• Work directly with adults and children who have been impacted by crime, assessing support needs and completing risk assessments, providing immediate and ongoing support and advocacy including home visits
• Provide information to the victim about their rights as outlined in the Victim's Code of Practice
• Explain processes and act as single point of contact throughout the victims journey in the criminal justice system
• Develop relationships with other organisations who support victims of crime

You will be:

• a self-starter with good organisational & time management skills
• an excellent communicator
• able to work across teams & with external agencies to achieve goals
• comfortable working in a digital environment & be able to use a range of IT equipment & programs.
• have an understanding of crime & the impact it has on individuals & communities

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website, and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

Independent Prescriber

Location: Sheffield, S3 8UG

Salary: £40,440 - £58,190 per annum

Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Their vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. They tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support.

They have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year their services support around 125,000 people.

The Role

Are you a Nurse or Pharmacist with an Independent Prescriber qualification and a passion for delivering evidence-based treatments and interventions in Substance Misuse?

They are seeking dedicated professionals like you to join their team in Sheffield and make a meaningful impact on people's lives.

Skills and Qualifications

• · Independent Prescriber qualification
• · RCGP Qualifications Level 1 (and 2 or willingness to work towards)
• · First-level registered general, psychiatric nurse or registered pharmacist

Why Join Them?

At the organisation their Independent Prescribers are essential in implementing good clinical practices and pharmacological/health interventions. When you become a part of their team, you'll benefit from:

• · Work/Life Balance: Flexible working hours to suit your needs.
• · Clinical Support: Regular clinical supervision, appraisal, and revalidation support.
• · Professional Growth: Generous CPD time to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• · Leave Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement (27 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 year's service).
• · Team Collaboration: Work alongside skilled doctors, psychologists, nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrators.
• · Impactful Work: Provide tailored support to service users in an efficient, safe, and effective way.

Benefits

• · Generous annual leave entitlement (27 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 years’ service)
• · Annual leave purchase scheme
• · Enhanced occupational sick pay
• · Enhanced employer contribution to your workplace pension
• · Death in service benefit
• · Free Will writing
• · Eyecare vouchers
• · Blue light card discount
• · Fantastic learning and development opportunities, including free training courses
• · Work-life balance- flexible working and family friendly policies
• · Happy, Healthy You! – their wellbeing offers for their workforce
• · Employee Assist Programme and Humankind Support Networks

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Waythrough, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

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 South Gloucestershire. 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 South Gloucestershire. 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, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working, 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.

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; 09:00 on Monday 18th November, 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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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.

Youth Mental Health Worker
Ref: 620
Hours/Salary: 12.25 hours per week, actual salary £7,975.08 per annum (F.T.E. £24,088) or 24.25 hours per week, actual salary £15,787.40 per annum (F.T.E. £24,088)
Working base: YPS, Milton Keynes Hospital – Eaglestone Health Centre
Area covered: Milton Keynes

Our Young Person’s Sanctuary offers a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment outside of normal school hours for those aged 14 – 18 who are approaching crisis or feel in mental distress or crisis.  The role will involve assessing needs and offering one to one support to service users to enable them to begin the process of improving their mental health and wellbeing and to providing clarity on services and pathways available in the area.   The role will be part of a larger Young Persons Sanctuary team made up of YPS Youth Mental Health Workers, YPS Manager and volunteers.

Job Purpose

To support young people aged 14-18 to deescalate crisis and improve their mental health and wellbeing, through focussed 1:1s and structured crisis interventions.

Job Description

Service Delivery

• Deliver crisis focussed 1:1s and ensure outcomes which supports young people experiencing a mental health crisis in Milton Keynes, in line with Mind BLMK’s agreed crisis 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 health and safety responsibilities as directed by the Manager in line with Mind BLMK’s H&S policies, procedures and guidance (risk assessments, reviews, reporting, safeguarding, incidents/accidents, premises).
• Carry out responsibilities as directed by the Manager for the collection, updating, monitoring and reporting of service data in line with Mind BLMK’s contract and systems requirements and procedures
• Attendance to mandatory reflective practice is required for this role. It occurs once every six weeks for one and a half hours.

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 22 November 2024 
We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.

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.

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 Sunderland on a 10-month fixed term contract. 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 Sunderland on a 10-month Fixed Term Contract. 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
• 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; Midday on Friday 15th November 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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are recruiting for a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA) who will be working closely with survivors of domestic, and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support to survivors all risk levels and their children. 

In this role you will be part of a busy team. You will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre. The duty IGVA will be responding to daily enquiries over the phone and email as well as contacting survivors, assessing their risks and needs. You will also be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs and will ensure an effective handover to the over to the relevant GAIA team for ongoing support. 

The duty IGVA will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. You 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 working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. The job also involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety.

Closing Date: 09:00am 25 November 2024

Interview Date: 29 November 2024

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

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 Tameside. 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 Tameside. 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
• 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; 5pm on 14/11/24, 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.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?

Please visit our website. 

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.

Benefits

• Be part of an exciting pilot scheme providing a brand new programme to assist locals to overcome health-related barriers to be back on the path to employment 
• Be able to have your say in how to improve services and be able to finally focus on the quality of service rather just box ticking 
• Manage a smaller caseload in order to really provide tailored, quality support to our clients to make the biggest impact possible 
• Come join a organisation where we practice what we preach by ensuring each employee is truly supported in the role and opportunity for professional development is always explored
• Be part of a charity who truly cares by putting clients wellbeing above all else and always celebrates our clients achievements no matter how big or small
• Join a growing, adaptable organisation that looks to promote internally based on capability rather than time in seat
• Enjoy 25 days annual leave on top of a mandatory Christmas shutdown period which adds another 5 additional days of annual leave each year

The Opportunity  

WorkWell is a government funded programme that offers an early-intervention work and health support and assessment service. This provides holistic support to overcome health-related barriers to employment, and a single, joined-up gateway to other support services. 

We work in partnership with mental and/or physical health clinical teams, GP practices and other referral partners who refer clients who are currently in employment but are experiencing difficulties in the workplace and require assistance to help them return to work, remain in work or find new employment. This programme will also support those who have fallen out of work to get the support they need to return to employment. That support will be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. 

We need a team of four Work and Health Coaches to provide highly effective support to individuals and guide them on their journey to returning, remaining or finding new employment while also supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing. The Work and Health Coach will also be instrumental in supporting participants to remove health related barriers by sourcing and funding appropriate interventions. 

There is a total of four roles, with three full time and one part time, Work and Health Coaches. 

Who we are: 

Founded in 1992 by a group of mental health professionals, Working Well Trust was established to address the issue of low employment rates for people who have experienced mental health issues.  Since starting we have seen advances in the specialist support offered to people seeking employment and a change in cultural attitudes towards mental health.  

In the last few years we have adapted this approach to work with people with Autism (ASD), people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or complex issues including homelessness or addiction. 

We focus on four main areas: 

Employment Support – offering support that meets the individual’s needs using both the traditional stepped approach and the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. 

Employer support – enabling the recruitment and retention of their employees. 

Social Enterprises – we offer training within social enterprises for people who want to gain a new skill, increase their confidence and be part of a team. 

Business and Enterprise support – providing one to one advice to clients who wish to start up or expand an enterprise. 

Co-production - Working Well remains committed to the principles of the recovery model and continuously improve its services through co-production. 

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details on this role. 

Closing date: 4th of December 2024

Interviews will be arranged throughout the application window. Therefore, it is important to get your application in as soon as possible. We may close this vacancy early.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Together and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Job title: Mental Health Support Administrator
Reference number: 243
Salary: £23,478 per annum FTE (depending on skills and experience - inclusive of Outer London Weighting [OLW]).
Contracted hours: 30 hours per week -Tuesday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Contract length: Permanent
Working base: Borehamwood Wellbeing Centre (Occasional travel to Watford)
Reports to: Admin Team Lead

We have a vacancy for a Mental Health Support Administrator to join our team.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is the largest charitable provider of mental health services in Hertfordshire, in terms of the number of people supported and range of services offered. We have a presence in all of the county's 10 districts, with established Wellbeing Centres across the county. Our services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire over the age of 18, and we offer dedicated services and outreach for 5-18 year olds. We provide services and support to approximately 10,000 people experiencing mental ill health each year.

Purpose of Post

As a Mental Health Support Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring a smooth process for people contacting Hertfordshire Mind (HMN) from initial contact to service provision and provide advice, information and emotional support to service users.

Key responsibilities

• To be the first point of contact and provide advice and information to HMN callers via telephone, email and in person
• To provide emotional support to people contacting HMN by telephone or in person who are experiencing emotional distress and to ensure smooth referrals into the Daylight service for clients who are in crisis and require short-term crisis resolution
• To complete and process referral forms, liaising with Service Users and colleagues 
• To accurately record client information onto the database.
• To support the smooth running of the Wellbeing Centres 
• To undertake admin duties for the Wellbeing Centre, including the distribution of mail, maintaining office supplies, and responding to internal/external e-mails
• To ensure the reception area is tidy and leaflet displays are replenished to include up to date information
• To maintain the notice boards with relevant and up to date information
• To work in line with standardised administrative systems across HMN, to maintain the general running and efficiency of the office and consistency with the other HMN offices 
• To undertake training as required and to maintain policies and procedures
• To undertake other duties as may be reasonably determined by the Head of Services or CEO.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Closing date: Thursday 21st November 2024.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
Please note we may close the advert early if sufficient applications are received.

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. 

Equal Opportunities 
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

About the role:

Our Health team has an exciting opportunity for two people to join the team. One of these roles will be a permanent position focused in our North London TST team, and one fixed term appointment (12 months) to join our team in a Camden focusing on Mental Health, with an emphasis on improving the barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness when accessing health care. 

As a Health Lead, your role will focus on developing and embedding SHPs health approach into the services the charity provides.  It will involve working with and supporting those living within our hostels who have underlying health needs to access and maintain the health care they need. To complete initial health screening tools, create a health support profile  plan for each client and to make referrals to and support them in engaging with the correct services  (i.e. dentistry, podiatry). In this role you will complete health mapping and use this information to influence partnerships formed with external services to help overcome barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness. 

The approach taken with clients will be psychologically informed, incorporating an understanding of Personality Disorder, complex trauma and addiction.  The outcomes for your role, include developing positive and sustained relationships of trust with clients, supporting them to engage in health care support and see an improvement in their overall physical health.   

About you:

To be successful, you will have:

• A knowledge of (or willingness to learn) about common health issues and the barriers to health access that people experiencing homelessness may encounter.
• Ability to find ways to engage and develop relationships with clients who may have a low level of interaction with and/or suspicion of services. 
• Good understanding of local level health set up/services i.e. homeless health providers and teams. 
• Confidence in working both as part of a team and independently. 
• Skills and understanding of creating and monitoring support plans and record-keeping with regards to client support, safety and safeguarding issues. 
• The ability to advocate for and coordinate access to health care for clients with multiple disadvantage.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 10,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 24th November at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th November via Microsoft Teams

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

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. 

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

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.

Please note that 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.