Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint a part-time Community Advocate in West Sussex. You will be based in our Brighton office but will work within the south east coastal area of West Sussex.

Advocates are responsible for the provision of independent, professional mental health advocacy primarily within community settings across West Sussex. This post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Full job details and application pack can be found on our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 5.00 pm on Monday 15 March 2021

Interview date: Tuesday 23 March 2021 via Microsoft Teams

We are committed to equal opportunities and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint a part-time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) in West Sussex, based in Worthing and the surrounding areas of West Sussex.

Advocates are responsible for the provision of independent, professional mental health advocacy primarily within community settings across West Sussex. This post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

 All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Full job details and application pack can be found on our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 5.00 pm  on Monday 15 March 2021

Interview date: Wednesday 24 March 2021 via Microsoft Teams

We are committed to equal opportunities and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

NYAS is the leading provider of advocacy and associated service across the UK. NYAS shares the opinion that every child or young person experiencing care should have the same chance to live happy, healthy and rewarding lives as their peers.

If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference to young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a Senior Advocate who will have responsibility for the regional leadership of both the North West and East Anglia regional teams.

Working remotely, you will be responsible for the allocation of settings to other advocates, provide line management supervision and manage an allocation of settings either within the North West or East Anglia.

You will provide a high standard of provision to vulnerable children, young people and adults, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they are involved in decisions that affect their lives whilst working to ensure they are safeguarded at all times.

This role is a home based role however it is essential that the post holder resides either in the North West or East Anglia.

For more information and to apply please visit our website.

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

NYAS is an equal opportunities employer

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

NYAS is the leading provider of advocacy and associated service across the UK. NYAS shares the opinion that every child or young person experiencing care should have the same chance to live happy, healthy and rewarding lives as their peers.

If you are looking for a rewarding role with an organisation that makes a difference to young people’s lives, we want to hear from you.

Due to expansion and development of the Priory Service we are recruiting Self-Employed Advocates to deliver mental health advocacy to young people and vulnerable adults to ensure their voices are heard within decision-making processes.

We are looking to recruit in the following regions:

• South West – Bristol and Stroud
• Wales – Abergavenny, Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Raglan
• East – Attleborough
• London – Edmonton, Roehampton, and Wimbledon
• South East – Wadhurst and Hassocks

To be considered you must hold relevant qualifications and have experience of direct work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. 

For more information, please view the full advert on our website.

Please note: to meet the requirements of the role you must live within the geographical area and be able to conduct regular advocacy visits to residential and hospital settings within that area.

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

NYAS is an equal opportunities employer

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

nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

We have recently noticed that we receive fewer applications for our posts supporting women involved in prostitution. If you think you have what it takes to do this work but you’re worried that you might not have the right experience, please call us – let’s talk about it. We may be able to consider training and additional support for you.

We are delighted to receive funding from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to develop The Anita Project. The Anita Project has been devised to bring about long-term sustainable change for women facing multiple disadvantage and who are involved in prostitution in London. This service will build on nia’s existing work to support women to exit prostitution.

Hours: 35 hours

This post is currently funded until 31 March 2022. It is our policy to try to offer staff alternative posts in the organisation if funding for the post they are filling ends. 

This is an exciting new post focussing on supporting women to exit prostitution. The service builds on our existing work to support women involved in prostitution in east London. The post holder will provide wide-ranging support with a particular focus on supporting women using drug and alcohol services, who are abused through ‘survival sex’. The postholder will be responsible for forging links with drug and alcohol services to ensure maximum engagement and take up of services from women who are being sexually exploited.

We are looking for a highly organised and self- motivated woman who is passionate about supporting other women to rebuild their lives after prostitution. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach, be passionate about prioritising women and be committed to nia’s feminist approach. Your values, attitude and abilities are as important as your experience.

The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.

CV’s will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 10am, 8th March 2021     

Interview date: 16th March 2021

Victim Support is looking for a full time Victim Care Advocate for the triage assessment and support team based in Hackenthorpe, Sheffield.

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.

As a VCA you will be contacting clients immediately after a crime has occurred, completing initial needs and risk assessments that are comprehensive and holistic. You will provide information of support services, tools, criminal justice processes and victim rights. You will provide immediate and short term intervention to clients and where longer term support is required you will refer internally or externally as appropriate.

There will be a particular focus on those that are the most vulnerable, including repeat victims and victims of high harm crime. You will be expected to provide practical and emotional support and advocacy in a way that is approachable, flexible and caring, showing empathy at all times.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as (A and Essential).Please read the attached job description and person specification and clearly state how you meet the short listing criteria in the supporting statement section of the application form

In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

If the vacancy has not specified the essential criteria for shortlisting, please use this section to express how your experience and skills are relevant for the role.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you. 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 (police vetting) and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our staff. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We welcome applicants from all communities and as part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we would particularly welcome applicants of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage. We also particularly welcome applications from disabled people and people from LGBT+ Communities.

VoiceAbility are recruiting 2 full-time advocates to join our Liverpool & Sefton team. VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.

About the role:

Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in on the front line delivering positive outcomes for the people they support. Advocates will support and enable service users’ understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decision making processes, supporting them to make challenges when necessary and asking pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.

Location: This role will be home based. You will need to be able to travel around Liverpool & Sefton.

Hours: 2 x 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £21,000 - £26,500 Per Annum - Starting at £21,000 Depending on Qualifications. Future scope to earn up to £28,000 subject to qualifications and performance

All applications by: 5pm Monday 8th March 2021

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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
 

 About you:

• Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs, and needs taken into account when decisions are made about their care

• Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills

• Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties

• Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff, family members etc.

• Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals, and carers

• Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise

• Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards

• Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and/or children

• Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work for resolution of issues

• Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines

• Be able to work independently

• Hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have access to own transport. There is travel involved in the role. 

Desirable skills or experience:

• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.

• Knowledge and experience of the Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007).
 

NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
 

You may have experience of the following: Advocacy, Vulnerable Adults, Social Work, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Work, Charity, Third Sector, Advice & Guidance.
 

How to Apply: To apply for this role, please complete the online application form using the criteria in the person specification and upload your CV detailing your work history. NB CV's will not be used to short list.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Monday 8th March 2021

Assessment/ test: Online 9am Monday 15th March 2021

Interviews: To be held online via Teams week commencing 15th March 2021

Equality and Diversity Statement  
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 recruiting a full-time advocate to join our Sunderland team. VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.

About the role:

Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in on the front line delivering positive outcomes for the people they support. Advocates will support and enable service users’ understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decision making processes, supporting them to make challenges when necessary and asking pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.

Location: This role will be home based. You will need to be able to travel around Sunderland.

Hours: 1 x 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £21,000 - £26,500 Per Annum - Starting at £21,000 Depending on Qualifications. Future scope to earn up to £28,000 subject to qualifications and performance

All applications by: 5pm Thursday 18th March 2021.

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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
 

 About you:

• Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs, and needs taken into account when decisions are made about their care

• Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills

• Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties

• Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff, family members etc.

• Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals, and carers

• Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise

• Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards

• Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and/or children

• Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work for resolution of issues

• Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines

• Be able to work independently

• Hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have access to own transport. There is travel involved in the role. 

Desirable skills or experience:

• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.

• Knowledge and experience of the Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007).
 

NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
 

You may have experience of the following: Advocacy, Vulnerable Adults, Social Work, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Work, Charity, Third Sector, Advice & Guidance.
 

How to Apply: To apply for this role, please complete the online application form using the criteria in the person specification and upload your CV detailing your work history. NB CV's will not be used to short list.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 18th March 2021

Assessment/ test: Written scenario to be completed and returned on 24th March 2021

Interviews: To be held online via Teams 25th and 26th March 2021

Equality and Diversity Statement  
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.

Job Title: Senior Advocate

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £25,520 to £29,575 per annum

Location: London

About Coram

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

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

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

About Coram Voice

Our services include Always Heard, the national advocacy safety net and advice service, and a range of local children’s rights projects such as advocacy for children in care, care leavers and other young people needing the support of Children’s Services. At Coram Voice we have a wealth of experience advocating on behalf of young people with disabilities. We work side by side with some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society and reach out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people, by supporting them to uphold their rights and actively participate in decisions about their lives.

Coram Voice is part of the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Our vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 28 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.

Coram Voice particularly welcomes applications for this post from care leavers or individuals with experience of being ‘looked after’ by the state, and those with disabilities. We are also actively encouraging applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognize we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

About the Role

• Are you looking for an exciting and unique opportunity to advance your skills, knowledge and experiences with children and young people?
• Are you passionate about taking a lead role in upholding the rights of children and young people?
• Are you motivated to broaden your current skill set to undertake case work reviews and support to our Associate Advocates in the provision of advocacy to children & young people?
• Are you a creative innovator with energy and drive to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people?
• Can you see yourself becoming a champion for children’s rights contributing to Coram Voice to be the leading children’s charity in this area?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Coram Voice as our Senior Advocate in London. This is a pivotal role as we develop and expand our children’s rights services across London and South East. You will need to be innovative and constantly strive to find new ways to transform the lives of young people. You will be joining a highly committed and well supported team who are working together to champion the rights of children and young people.

Apply today!

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

Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 15th March 2021

Interview Date: Thursday 25th and Friday 26th March 2021 (these will be held virtually)

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

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

Registered Charity No. 312278.

VoiceAbility are recruiting for a full-time advocate to join our Suffolk team. VoiceAbility supports people who face disadvantage or discrimination to have a voice that counts. Providing advocacy and user involvement services across England, VoiceAbility is a growing organisation working with people who are vulnerable or marginalised to raise their voices and have their rights respected.

About the role:

Advocates support people who may be marginalised or vulnerable to speak up and be heard. Their work strengthens voices, supports human rights and changes lives. Advocacy can be vital for people who cannot speak up for themselves, or people who feel they do not have the power to do so. Advocates work in on the front line delivering positive outcomes for the people they support. Advocates will support and enable service users’ understanding of their options. Advocates empower individuals to communicate their views in decision making processes, supporting them to make challenges when necessary and asking pertinent questions on the person’s behalf where they are unable to do so for themselves.

Location: This role will be home based. You will need to be able to travel around Suffolk.

Hours: 1 x 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £21,000 - £26,500 Per Annum - Starting at £21,000 Depending on Qualifications. Future scope to earn up to £28,000 subject to qualifications and performance

All applications by: 9.00am Monday 8th March 2021

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 supermarkets, fashion, restaurants, cinemas, holidays and much more; Discounted Gym Membership; Cycle to Work; Employee Assistance programme; Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance; Support with professional development.
 

 About you:

• Be passionate about empowering and enabling individuals to have their wishes, feelings, beliefs, and needs taken into account when decisions are made about their care

• Demonstrate excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills

• Have the ability to engage with people with complex needs and communication difficulties

• Be experienced in influencing and working with health and social care professionals, legal services, care staff, family members etc.

• Be able to build good relationships with clients, health and social care professionals, legal professionals, and carers

• Be able to identify and act appropriately where issues of safeguarding individuals arise

• Have strong IT skills to accurately record information in line with policy and current data standards

• Be experienced in working with marginalised and vulnerable adults and/or children

• Be able to research complex and sensitive issues independently, using case law, national policy and guidance for advocates to work for resolution of issues

• Be able to work to tight and changing deadlines

• Be able to work independently

• Hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have access to own transport. There is travel involved in the role. 

Desirable skills or experience:

• Hold or be working towards Independent Advocacy Qualification.

• Knowledge and experience of the Care Act (2014) and Mental Capacity Act (2007),The Principles of Human Rights and Advocacy, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mental Health Act (1983, revised 2007).
 

NB If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification, it is a requirement of that you complete this within 12 months of commencing employment.
 

You may have experience of the following: Advocacy, Vulnerable Adults, Social Work, Healthcare, Policy, Legislation, Support Work, Charity, Third Sector, Advice & Guidance.
 

How to Apply: To apply for this role, please complete the online application form using the criteria in the person specification and upload your CV detailing your work history. NB CV's will not be used to short list.

Closing date for applications: 9.00am Monday 8th March 2021

Assessment/ test: Online Friday 12th March 2021

Interviews: To be held online via Teams Friday 12th March 20 21

Equality and Diversity Statement  
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.

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers who deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care. Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the country.

Our advocacy teams are based across the country, including the Midlands, and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

About the Role

You will work directly with children and young people who are supported by Worcestershire Children First - providing advocacy and other children’s rights support which will empower and support them to navigate the care system. This direct work will include issues based advocacy support for children in need, looked after children and care experienced young people, as well as children subject to the Child Protection process.

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

Coram Voice particularly welcomes applications from care experienced young people. We are also actively encouraging applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and young people we help.

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

To apply, please click on the 'apply now' button to be redirected to the application form.

For more information about the main duties and responsibilities of this role please refer to the job description and person specification.

Please note we will be running two recruitment campaigns for this role:

1st round of applications:

Closing date: 1st March 2021

Interview date: 8th March 2021

2nd round of applications:

Closing date: 22nd March 2021

Interview date: W/C 29th March 2021

All posts are subjected to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and successful candidates will not be able to work unsupervised with children or young people until the completion of this process. Coram Voice - working towards quality through equality and the development of a diverse workforce.

We ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us in relation to this position. We have chosen to recruit directly as this helps us to minimise our recruitment costs, ensuring that valuable funds aren't diverted from the children and young people we help.

Registered Charity Number 1046207

Lewisham Speaking Up, the independent advocacy charity for and led by people with learning disabilities based in Lewisham, has successfully secured three years backing from Henry Smith Charity to create a brand new Financial Inclusion Advocate post.

This means we are able to build on the financial assistance work we have always given to people with learning disabilities through 1-2-1 advocacy. The person we seek will have considerable experience of supporting and empowering vulnerable people, including people with learning disabilities. They will join our 1-2-1 advocacy team.

The successful candidate will:

• be an experienced Advocate who has a proven track record of working in the third sector and preferably with an Advocacy organisation. An Advocacy Qualification would be welcomed, but is not essential.
• have experience of carrying a caseload of 1-2-1 advocacy cases, getting people’s voices heard and supporting people to speak up for themselves.
• be aware of relevant legislation needed for advocating for people with learning disabilities 
• have had considerable experience of advocating for people who have finance problems: this should include benefits, debt, budgeting, and issues with paying bills.
• be compassionate, hardworking, committed, and who can work with minimal supervision.
• need to manage a small group of volunteers, who will support people with budgeting.

Lewisham Speaking Up is a well established independent advocacy charity that has worked hard to build a reputation for innovation and quality. This role provides an exciting and rewarding challenge within a supportive team, who share a strong belief and enthusiasm for independent advocacy and our work.

Closing date: 10 March at 5pm

Interview dates: 15-16 March

Would you like to work for a leading mental health charity?

Do you want a rewarding career where you can really make a difference?

If yes, join us here at Rethink Mental Illness where we have an exciting opportunity for a Statutory Advocate to join our friendly inspirational Devon Advocacy Team. Your role would be a permanent position working part time, 4 days per week (28 hours) based in Dawlish. Some home working would also be required.

Who are we?

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns, advice and information. Rethink Advocacy is part of the same charity, though we work across a range of disciplines in addition mental health. We specialise in many different types of advocacy, providing services in a range of settings across the country such as hospitals, secure units and care homes.

In everything we do, we seek to demonstrate our values: Passion, Commitment, Openness, Hope, Expertise and Understanding. If these values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you.

What do we do in at our service?

Here in Devon we provide two statutory advocacy contracts.

The first provides Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) in Langdon Secure Hospital, Dawlish. The other provides IMHA, Care Act and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy across Devon and Torbay. During the past year we have had to adapt to attending a lot of meetings remotely. Where face to face work has continued, we have adhered to strict rules in order to maintain a Covid safe environment for our staff and clients.

What would you be doing?

You will be working across the two contracts, on site at Langdon for two days per week and travelling across Devon and Torbay for the remaining time. Some of the Devon and Torbay work is still remote at present but we hope this will change in the not too distant future. In addtiton, you will be:

• Providing a high quality, responsive and effective advocacy service in accordance with the service specification, contract and legislative timescales.
• Ensuring that individuals understand and can exercise their rights; supporting people to access information, to understand better what is happening, what is planned, and the options available to them to make better informed decisions and be more involved in their care and support.
• Acting on allocated referrals in accordance with the service standards and engagement protocols, communicating with referrers as required in order to ensure the client’s rights under the relevant act are observed.
• Representing patients’ interests when they are not able to do so themselves, including working within a best-interests framework for any eligible patient who lacks the mental capacity to instruct the advocate
• Keeping accurate factual records relating to the service users and their cases, including keeping the case management database up to date.

Do you have what we are looking for?

• Completed, working towards, or willing to work towards The National Qualification in Independent Advocacy (Level 3 or new Level 4)
• Completed, working towards, or willing to work towards additional specialist units: IMCA, DoLS, IMHA, ICAA.
• Experience of working in one or more of the following specialist areas: learning disabilities; mental capacity; mental health; older people; physical disabilities; sensory impairment; substance misuse.
• A good understanding of advocacy practice and principles of empowerment and knowledge of relevant legislation
• Ability to respect and promote a person’s right to make informed choices and decisions without influence
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects ensuring independence and clarity of decision making.
• Ability to support clients who may have a range of communication and other needs.
• Ability to collate information and write formal reports to a high professional standard.
• Ability to travel throughout the locality.

What will you receive?

You will receive the opportunity to make a real difference every day. This will be made possible due to our excellent career development opportunities including funded face to face training, and a range of online e-learning courses.

You will also receive:

• Salary of £21,703.54 to 23,906.01 pro rata  
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance and employee assistance programme
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days plus bank holidays  
• Your "Rethink Day" - 1 day’s additional leave (pro rata) on your Birthday
• Eyecare vouchers
• Flexible working  

Don’t just change jobs, change lives!

Just a couple of final things,

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this. Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If a shortened closing date has a significant impact on your ability to apply, please let us know.

Would you like to work for a leading mental health charity?

Do you want a rewarding career where you can really make a difference?

If yes, join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

We have a very exciting opportunity for a Supervising Advocate to join and supervise our friendly Essex Advocacy team. Your role will be a permanent term position working full time, 35 hours per week based in the service.

Our Essex Advocacy service works in accordance with relevant legislation and statutory guidelines to provide specialist advocacy services as appropriate across a range of disciplines including, IMCA, DOLS, RPR, IMHA, Care Act and Community Advocacy. We are currently developing and growing our CYP Advocacy Team. We provide a range of generic and statutory (instructed or non-instructed) support in secure units, hospitals, care settings or in the community.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

In everything we do, we seek to demonstrate our values: Passion, Commitment, Openness, Hope, Expertise and Understanding. If these values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you.

What will you be doing?

• Co-ordinating a high quality, responsive and effective advocacy service in accordance with the service specification, contract and legislative timescales; ensuring a consistent standards are maintained and delivered in an empowering framework.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of how the contract should be delivered, actively monitoring and taking action on performance against KPI targets and deliverables; ensuring that the service demonstrates positive outcomes, impacts and added value.
• Allocating referrals in accordance with the service standards and engagement protocols.
• Reviewing and checking monthly advocate reports for accuracy and quality and conduct case file and practice audits and reviews.
• Supporting advocates with case management and practice issues including report writing and reviewing.
• Recruiting the best talent and ensure that all new staff and volunteers receive a high-quality workplace induction; ensuring they have the knowledge, information and resources to be successful in their roles.
• Contributing to the promotion and understanding of the role of statutory and non-statutory advocacy services among staff working in health and social care services, service users, carers and other stakeholders.
• Keeping accurate factual records relating to the service users and their cases, including keeping the case management database up to date.

Do you have what we are looking for?

• I have substantial practical experience working as a statutory advocate.
• I have completed the relevant National Qualification in Independent Advocacy (Level 3 or new Level 4)
• Completed or working towards additional specialist units e.g.  IMCA, DoLS, IMHA, ICAA, Independent Advocacy for CYP and Managing an Advocacy Service and Health Complaints
• Team management or supervisory experience of developing staff and/or volunteers, setting and
  reviewing SMART objectives, and taking immediate action to address performance or conduct issues.
• An understanding of case management systems and implementing safeguarding protocols.
• Have a good understanding of advocacy practice and principles of empowerment and knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects ensuring independence and clarity of decision making.
• Ability to travel throughout the Locality, including travel when required to Hub Office

What will you receive?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your abilities with the opportunity to make a real difference every day. In addition, you will have excellent development opportunities including funded training, career development and a range e-learning courses. You will also receive:  

• Salary of £23,906.01 - £27,282.80 per annum
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance and employee assistance programme
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days plus bank holidays  
• Your "Rethink Day" - 1 day’s additional leave (pro rata) on your Birthday
• Eyecare vouchers
• Flexible working  

Don’t just change jobs, change lives!

In response to the current COVID 19 pandemic, we are flexible in the delivery of our advocacy and have maintained our work with our clients in the most pro-active and practical ways. Our Supervising Advocates are currently working from home and the Advocacy Teams are conducting their appointments with clients using a range of online software and telephone contact. Any face to face visits are carried out in line with Government Guidance and full PPE is worn by all staff, where necessary.

We have been working throughout and have ensured that our clients receive the best possible support and service in spite of the practical restrictions.

Just a couple of final things,

We welcome applications from everyone, applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning+ (LGBTQ+), people with a disability, or those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. We are proud to have also been awarded Disability Confident employer status. We have an ambition of becoming an anti-racist organisation and we recognise there is more to do in ensuring our recruitment is fair and inclusive, which is why we are recruiting new roles in helping us to achieve this. Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If a shortened closing date has a significant impact on your ability to apply, please let us know.