Mental health advocate jobs

Navigators are the first point of contact into the Recovery and wellbeing pathway in the Recovery and Wellbeing Service.

Our Navigators signpost people to services within the borough that are tailored to their goals, needs and aspirations. Service users may be provided with information and advice or be signposted internally and/or externally. Follow up calls are made to service users to ensure signposted services have been accessed.  The Navigators also support people who may need support in small steps towards connecting with resources and opportunities available.

If you are passionate about providing support to individuals and are dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, we would love to hear from you.

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 Hospital Link Worker
Reference Number: 255
Salary scale: £23,800 - £24,500 per annum FTE, depending on skills and experience, inclusive of Outer London Weighting (OLW)
Reports to: Senior Bounce Back Worker
Contract length: 18 Months
No. of hours: 22.5 Hours per week (Over a 7 day rota, 8am – 8pm)
Main base: Mental Health Urgent Care Centre, Lister Hospital, Stevenage

About the Project

Herts Mind Network (HMN) has formed a partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) to deliver support in the Mental Health Urgent Care Centre (MHUCC) at Lister Hospital.

The MHUCC provides a dedicated space and service for rapid mental health assessment, intervention, and referral, thereby enhancing the quality of care and optimising use of systemwide resources. It provides 24-hour access to specialist mental health assessment aimed at supporting service users to access the least restrictive care and treatment options. It creates a systemwide response to acute mental health crisis that enables people’s needs to be met with the right care at the right time.

About the Role:

The Support, Time and Recovery (STAR) Worker will be based at the Mental Health Urgent Care Centre at Lister Hospital, promoting joint working and creating a seamless pathway into community support for clients recovering from mental ill health.

The STAR workers will work closely with individuals in a mental health crisis currently in the MHUCC, by using a person-centred approach to ensure that everyone is supported with dignity and respect.

You will have a key role with safe and supportive observations and attending to the service users on the unit. You will provide support for carers and liaise with the wider services to support smooth and timely discharge of service users back to the community.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide a consistent presence in the MHUCC for individuals with mental health needs to access for support.
• To advocate for service users, explaining organisations and pathways.
• To provide immediate information and advice about managing wellbeing, reducing risk and onward signposting and referral into wider HMN services and VCFSE organisations.
• To facilitate a clear and easily accessible pathway into the wider Nightlight Crisis Alternative services for individuals, to support timely MHUCC discharge, as an alternative to statutory crisis intervention, or as a supplement to wider care and treatment plans.
• To gather feedback and evaluation on patient experience in the MHUCC
• To develop sound and extensive knowledge of local resources to support in enabling appropriate referrals where necessary.
• To link in with wider Herts Mind Network services and facilitate referrals
• To ensure that a collaborative approach is used, with effective communication links developed with external professional NHS services and to work as an effective member of any multi-disciplinary team. This will require stringent relationships.
• To support individuals to develop sustainable local social networks, both through our HMN Wellbeing Centres and other community services and resources.

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.
• Cash plan health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
• Eligibility for blue light card.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 21st April at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 24th April at the Mental Health Urgent Care Centre, Lister Hospital.

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.

Would you like to use your lived experience as a Carer to make a difference for Carers and families supporting someone with a mental health condition?

If so, this could be the job for you!

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 in response to identified need and deliver training and outreach sessions at different locations across the borough. You will work in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLStG), to ensure Carers are identified and routinely referred into the service. You will have responsibility for line managing the Mental Health Carers Peer Support Worker.

Key Requirements Include:

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

- Experience of direct work with clients, providing information, advocacy and 1:1 support, including assessing  need.

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

- Efficient organisation and time management skills with the ability to balance and prioritise a busy and varied workload.

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

- Experience of liaising with a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies at all levels.

- Experience of report writing, including statistical data

- Experience of project management including managing staff         

About Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.  In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:  

Friendly team and working environment, mix of remote and office-based work, some weekend and evening work with time off during the week, annual leave starts at 26 days increasing to 31 days plus bank and public holidays, contributory company pension, ongoing training and development opportunities and an employee assistance program. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates. 

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for 2x Specialist Prison & Probation Prison Advocate – Prison Services

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000

Location: HMP Peterborough primarily – with travel to London/Hammersmith HO occasionally

Hours: 10.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Advance Prison Advocate will support women on remand and those unsentenced within the prison setting, providing pre-release support; focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion.

The Prison Advocate will develop a referral pathway with the Offender Management team within the prison, for women to access the service and will work in partnership with the existing service providers operating within the prison. You will co-design a person-centred support and action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified above including providing ‘through the gate support’. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential

About You:

To be successful as the Advance Prison Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

•  35-hour working week

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• One-week paid carers’ s leave
• Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

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, Togetherness and Responsiveness 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.

Crisis House Support Worker
Reference number: 270
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator
Working base: Crisis House – Hemel Hempstead 
Working hours: Full time (37.5 hours). The service rota covers 24/7 hour service, 365 days a year and includes night shifts.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £23,500 rising to £25,000 per annum

About the Service

Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Nightlight Service is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing Mental health Crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways. We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our Helpline, Crisis Cafes and a 24/7 Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect.

By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery. Our services are needed now more than ever!

About the role

As a Crisis House Support Worker, you will work closely with other staff as part of a team in supporting the development of quality Crisis Support and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision.

Purpose of Post

To be a key member of staff supporting the delivery of the Nightlight mental health Crisis Service. Drawing upon your own lived and/or professional experience (where applicable,) in order to provide a mix of face-to-face, therapeutic and holistic support for those accessing overnight provision.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide emotional support and work towards developing, flexible and realistic crisis/person-centred plans with Service Users.
• To work within agreed guidelines with and for Service Users, whilst being guided and supported by Senior Staff (as well as the Leadership team) in regard to documents/plans such as: Assessments of Need, Risk, Crisis support plans and Review forms.
• To draw upon one’s own lived experience (If applicable) as appropriate, as to promote the delivery of person-centred support.
• To provide immediate and appropriate advice and information to clients as to support with crisis prevention.
• To liaise with Nightlight management and external services such as: police, ambulance service, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, Single Point of Access, Safeguarding Out of Hours Service, Mental Health Liaison Teams, Adult Community Mental health Services, etc. as needed in terms of accepting referrals and proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitating appropriate support.
• Complete appropriate signposting/onward referrals to both internal and external services in accordance with identified needs and risks.
• Arranging transport for service users to facilitate access to services as needed.
• Support clients with activities of daily living as required.
• Ensuring record keeping is maintained to the required standards at all times and contributing to service monitoring requirements.

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.

Whilst experience is advantageous, the most important thing to us and the people we support is having the right values, skills and commitment to delivering high quality, person centred mental health crisis support.

Closing date for applications is 25th April 2025.
Interviews to be held week of 7th May

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.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (21/01/2026)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate 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 role will be part of increasing the ability of partner agencies to recognize, reject and respond appropriately and safely to all forms of gender-based violence (including domestic violence, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honor-based violence).

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. 

Closing Date: 6 May 2025

Interview Date: 15 May 2025

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Senior UK Policy Manager to support the Policy team based at our London or Glasgow office.

Deadline: 5pm on Monday 5th May
Location: London OR Glasgow
Salary: Starting at £41,800 rising to £48,070 pro rata, plus £3,285 London Weighting if applicable
Hours: Full-time, 32 hours per week (as part of our 32-hour week pilot and may revert to 35 hours after July 2025) [part-time hours may be considered]
Contract type: Permanent

This exciting role will develop and bring together our policy and public affairs work from across all four nations of the UK to drive better understanding and action on public mental health.

What does the role involve?​

• Working with our Head of Policy and Heads of Nations to design and help implement our UK policy and public affairs programme.
• Working collaboratively with teams across the UK to align our policy goals, taking into account different contexts in each of the nations.
• Influence and inform policy-makers, opinion-formers, professional bodies and politicians to support and promote public mental health.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?​

• Strong intellectual, analysis and influencing skills.
• Experience of working in a UK organisation seeking to shape policy in all four nations of the UK.
• Good understanding of Westminster and at least one of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd or Northern Ireland Assembly.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

About us

Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.

Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.

The Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application form by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'. Please note that all sections of the application form should be completed as CVs alone will not be accepted. Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 5th May and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for week commencing 19th May.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home for full time staff, pro rata for part time staff.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Advocacy Caseworker (full-time)

You’ll be assigned a case-load of clients who you will advocate for in different kinds of support they need.

The Centre is open between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday. Your normal working hours will be 36 hours per week i.e. 5 days per week.

You’ll work with:

• people living with mental or physical health conditions or impairments
• migrants and refugees
• older adults
• people experiencing digital exclusion

You will keep strict professional boundaries with the client, whilst sympathising with what the client has experienced in their life.

The role

• Carry out needs assessments and draw up brief plans for each client to enable them to access services that will improve their wellbeing.

• Support clients in actioning these plans - particularly in accessing advice or services, working alongside MGWT colleagues to provide further support, and ensuring successful referral from partner organisations where relevant.

• Facilitate better access to targeted support services through advocacy - and when necessary, house calls to isolated clients.

• Ensure client support provided is in line with MGWT policies and procedures -in particular, MGWT Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.

Person specification

• An understanding of the need to work in an accessible and diverse way when working with those that experience barriers  in accessing support and services

• A good understanding of where and why these barriers exist, and how we should design our services to ensure they meet the needs and requests of our communities. Knowledge of a second language would be an advantage.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish good working relationships with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders, and ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience.

• Ability to work independently using own initiative whilst remaining accountable to line management.

• Ability to keep up to date and abide by legislation, procedures, policies and good practice guidelines relevant to the role, particularly safeguarding.

• Personal characteristics of compassion and patience whilst simultaneously maintaining strong personal boundaries with clients

• Competent in a range of IT skills in order to record and monitor casework and outcomes - especially with the ability to quickly adapt and apply these skills in different situations including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Zoom, and unfamiliar system software

Please apply with a CV and covering letter detailing why you would like this role and what makes you suitable. 

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)  

 Location: London (On-site & Outreach Work) 
Contract: Full-time – [Fixed Term to March 2026 
Salary: £30,000 pa

Are you passionate about supporting survivors of domestic abuse? Do you have experience working with people with learning disabilities and autism? Respond is looking for a specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join our trauma-informed team. 

About Us 

Respond is a specialist organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced abuse, trauma, and complex life challenges. We provide psychotherapy, advocacy, and specialist interventions for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 

About the Role 

As an IDVA at Respond, you will provide high-quality, trauma-informed advocacy to survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring their safety and empowering them to rebuild their lives. You will conduct risk assessments (DASH), develop safety plans, and work closely with agencies such as social services, police, and housing. You will also play a key role in raising awareness and improving support for neurodivergent survivors. 

What You’ll Do 

Provide specialist, person-centred advocacy for survivors with learning disabilities and autism. 

 Undertake risk assessments and safety planning to enhance survivor well-being. 
Represent survivors at MARAC and multi-agency meetings, advocating for their needs. 
Work closely with social services, health professionals, and the criminal justice system. 
Deliver training and consultation to professionals on supporting neurodivergent survivors. 
Ensure accurate case management and uphold safeguarding responsibilities. 

What We’re Looking For 

IDVA qualification OR significant domestic abuse advocacy experience. 
Understanding of domestic abuse, coercive control, and trauma-informed practice. 
Experience working with survivors of domestic abuse, particularly those with learning disabilities and autism. 
Strong advocacy, case management, and multi-agency working skills. 
Ability to adapt communication styles to support neurodivergent clients. 
Knowledge of MARAC, safeguarding, and legal frameworks for domestic abuse cases. 

Why Join Us? 

Be part of a specialist, trauma-informed team making a real difference. 
Receive ongoing training and professional development. 
Work in a supportive and collaborative environment. 
Hybrid/flexible working options available. 

How to Apply 
If you’re ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria by 2nd May 2025.

 Got questions? Get in touch at via Charity Job. 

Join us in creating a safer, more inclusive world for survivors of domestic abuse.

We're Hiring: Senior Specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate)

 Location: London / Hybrid
Full-time (35 hours/week) | Fixed term until March 2026

Salary: £30,615 per annum
Closing Date: 14/04/2025

Are you passionate about supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic people affected by sexual violence?

Respond is looking for a compassionate and experienced Senior Specialist ISVA to support and lead our ISVA team, working with adults with complex needs. You’ll hold a caseload, offer trauma-informed advocacy, and help shape our ISVA services alongside the ISVA Manager.

This is a key role for someone ready to take the next step in service development, frontline support, and sector collaboration.

About You:
ISVA-trained with frontline experience
Skilled in advocacy for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people
Confident in partnership working and team supervision
Committed to trauma-informed, rights-based practice

Apply now to be part of a passionate team making real change.
 

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Advance Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate

Salary: £27,000-£29,000 pro rata

Location: HMP Bronzefield

Hours: 21 Hours per week (with the possibility to increase to full time hours)

Contract: Fixed Term – until 31st March 2025 with a possibility of an extension to March 2026

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

The Advance Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate will support women within the prison setting, provide pre-release support, focused on Accommodation, Finance, debt & benefits, Family & significant others and Social inclusion including ‘through the gate’ support.

This exciting new role will be based in HMP Bronzefield and will support in developing referral pathways for women and work in partnership with different departments and services within the prison as well as those in the community. You will co-design an action plan with women accessing support, enabling you to support them to address their accommodation, finance, debt and benefits and health needs and any risks in relation to the interventions identified, as they prepare for release. The role will involve a combination of casework-based approach with delivery of programmes and courses, along with a signposting and advice service for the women in custody.

You will have demonstrable experience and understanding of working with women in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally working with prisoners and/or their families.

You will build strong relationships with the Pre Release teams to ensure clients are able to maintain or access suitable accommodation, finance, benefits and debt, family and social inclusion support including negotiating terms on behalf of the women. Ensure that interventions are responsive to and meet the needs of women from diverse and minoritised backgrounds. This, together with referrals to wider partner organisations in the community, will ensure additional support needs are addressed post-release and continuity of support exists.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential

About You:

To be successful as the Advance Specialist Prison & Probation Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system obtained through academic study, experience of working in the criminal justice system (or closely associated social system).

The ability and experience as a caseworker delivering gender specific and trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of female adults in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons.

You will possess excellent organisational skills, excellent communication skills and be able to work in a prison environment whilst remaining calm.

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

You will have the ability to complete trauma informed, support and action plans in collaboration with the woman; to support in addressing their multiple and individual needs and enable them to engage with services, which will result in timely and prescribed outcomes being achieved.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

· Interviews are taking place on: W/C Monday 3rd March 2025

· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)

Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

Pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

Employee eye-care scheme

Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

Organisation wide away days

Thorough induction and training

Career development pathways

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

In 2024, Tower Hamlets received Trailblazer funding to develop and implement new models of community-based mental health care that integrate clinical and voluntary sector provision, in line with  The Community Mental Health Framework.

The Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance (THMHA) was formed two years ago to create a bold new community-based mental health support service for Tower Hamlets residents. THMHA consists of 18 Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise Sector (VCFSE) service providers that have come together in partnership. The primary criterion for membership is that the organisation either specialises in mental health support or has a significant and growing focus on mental health in its work. Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Redbridge is a member of this alliance.

Alongside THMHA members, Look Ahead, and East London Foundation Trust, we are implementing a new community-based, 24/7 mental health care system that prioritises the tailored needs of individuals facing mental health challenges. The goal is to provide support in a non-hospital setting, preventing the need for more intensive interventions in the future.

Coproduction and Community Engagement (CCE) Coordinator will play a vital role in ensuring the services at the Barnsley Street Project are designed and delivered in true partnership with the local community. This role is particularly focused on minoritised and underrepresented groups, ensuring their voices are central to service development. The ideal candidate will be passionate about inclusive service design, community engagement, and mental health equity. You will work closely with clients, carers, and community partners to create a responsive and culturally competent service that meets the needs of Tower Hamlets' diverse population.

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. 

We are recruiting for this role on a rolling basis; we will review all applications on receipt and invite applicants that meet the minimum requirements to interview. 

Main purpose of job: To provide specialist advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. The role may also involve occasionally supporting CARA groups.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £28,344 - £30,469 per annum.

Contract: Permanent contract.

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week.  

Place of work: To work flexibly across CARA premises in Colchester with regular travel across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester and Dunmow. The post may also involve some remote working, if a suitable home working environment is available.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.  Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline: as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting candidates to interview as applications are received.

Interviews:  To be arranged as suitable applications received.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

To provide advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. CARA’s advocacy service focuses primarily on meeting the needs of some of our most complex clients – victims and survivors who would be unable to access other advocacy services.  The role will also involve supporting the wider CARA team in signposting other clients to external advocacy agencies, as appropriate and attendance at CARA groups to provide a drop-in advocacy surgery.

Main Responsibilities

·To manage a caseload of complex clients seeking short and long-term advocacy support, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues.

·To manage referrals in to CARA’s Advocacy service, ensuring clients meet the referral criteria.

·To provide line-management for CARA’s social care placement worker and potential future advocacy volunteers.

·To assess all new referrals to CARA’s advocacy services, allocating cases to members of the advocacy team, as appropriate.

·To liaise with other agencies, receiving and making referrals and ensuring that they understand CARA’s role and services.

·To gather information about local and national agencies and manage storage and display of this material at CARA.  To work with CARA’s Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager to create a directory of services that can be used by all the CARA team.

·To support CARA’s group work, including attendance to provide advocacy support and supporting other activities.

·To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

·To maintain and collate evaluation data, testimonials or case studies for distribution.

·To adhere to CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

·To report to the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

·To be administratively self-servicing.

·To undertake any other activities as required by the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East and we work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.