Independent mental health advocate jobs

This is an opportunity to join our dynamic team in delivering Independent Professional Advocacy across our projects in Gwynedd and Anglesey. We can offer up to 37 hours per week but are willing to be flexible as we are seking a number of candidates. .

NWAAA are looking for someone who shares our passion about people's rights, who has a sound understanding of the barriers faced by marginalised groups, along with a good knowledge of care and support services and the laws which underpin those services.

The successful candidates will have excellent communication skills and be able to confidently build relationships with a broad range of people. They will be self-motivated with strong time management and organisational abilities. Above all they will have a commitment to empowering and protecting the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

Prior advocacy experience is not essential but you should have some experience in working with diverse groups of people, other public and/or voluntary sector services, and be confident in networking with different agencies. Specialist Advocacy training will be provided to the right candidate.

The successful candidate will be expected to hybrid-work between office and home bases. There is a travel expectation so access to own transport is essential. Due to the nature of our services and the location we operate in, fluency in Welsh is essential for at least one of the posts we are recruiting for.

All posts are subject to continued funding.

The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

This role is not open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer withdrawn.

You should complete the attcahed application form.  Applications must be completed in full and you shoudl referr to teh attched Job Descriotion and Person Specification to outline why your skills, knowledge and abilities meet the neds of the post. 

About The Advocacy Project

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

Some of the ways we do this include:

· Advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· User involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· Local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

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

About the role

The Advocacy Project vision is clear: everyone should have a voice. We work tirelessly to ensure that those who are often unheard or whose wishes are dismissed are heard and their rights upheld.

We believe passionately that everyone should have equal outcomes when accessing health and social care services, and we all live our values everyday showing up with kindness, strength, honesty and belief in the work we do. Our work makes a difference, but we need to reach more people and change more lives; can you be part of our journey? 

You will be joining The Advocacy Project at a critical time as we enter the second year of our new strategy.  Key to the success of the new strategy is developing a sustainable business model that moves us from a reliance on statutory income to a mixed portfolio of funding including trusts and foundations and paid for services.  Focussing on growth we are looking to secure at least £250,000 new income annually while maintaining our current income levels, we aim to double our income by the end of our strategy in 2030.

As part of our senior leadership team, you will be agile and collaborative, a fundraising professional who has developed and delivered an income generation strategy and achieved income growth across multiple income streams, including developing commercial income streams, grants and statutory income. You will be hands on, getting stuck into applications, prospecting, communicating, and developing new income opportunities. Building strong relationships with staff, volunteers and service users, you will also have the ability to engage with stakeholders and build relationships externally. You will develop evidence-based and impact-led cases for support for various projects and must be able to unlock growth, develop new approaches and help communicate our impact.

You will build and lead a small, effective and positive fundraising team.

Key responsibilities

• Developing our income strategy to ensure we reach our financial and strategic goals.
• Chairing the Business development and fundraising committee
• Further developing trust and foundations pipeline, growing income and identifying new opportunities.
• Further develop our commercial income opportunities including training, consultancy and paid for services.
• Overseeing all tender submissions including building the pipeline and writing or commissioning tender writers.
• Working with the CEO and our comms officer to ensure our Comms and Income generation strategy are aligned.
• Recruiting and managing bid writers as required. 
• Working with our Finance team to ensure all donations are collected and recorded correctly, holding budget responsibility for fundraising and cooms.
• Building our case for support, working closely with staff and service users to understand their lived experience.
• Representing The Advocacy Project with funders, commissioners and external partners
• Ensure the Board of Trustees are regularly updated on the progress of income generation and our comms engagement, using a transparent and consistent reporting framework.
• Embed a fundraising culture within The Advocacy Project.

About you

We’re looking for someone with a significant success and experience of impactful charitable fundraising across diverse income streams especially from trust and foundations.

You must be passionate about our work the role of advocacy and involving service users in design.

Essential

î  Effective line management skills and ability to deliver alongside and through small team.

î  Experience of developing trust and foundations pipelines, bid writing and evidenced success of winning significant funding.

î  Experience of statutory services and tender submissions

î  Experience of developing new income streams.

î  Experience of delivering to targets, including a strong understanding of risk and how best to manage it

î  Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices

Desirable

î  Experience of working as a senior leader within a third sector, public sector, or voluntary organisation, including setting strategy and managing change

î  Experience of designing and delivering commercial income streams including business to business and direct to consumer products

î  Previous experience in an Advocacy/user voice organisation

î  Previous experience of co production.

Skills

î  Strong leadership and management skills

î  Ability to work collaboratively and lead change effectively

î  Be highly organised and self-motivated with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines

î  Positive, creative, entrepreneurial, and solutions focused.

î  Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently.

î  Ability to problem solve and think creatively

î  Confident networker, with strong communication skills.

î  Strong understanding of EDI principles and how to apply them in your work

Benefits of working for us

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

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

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

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

About the Role

The post holder will provide support to people in relation to their medication, treatment and care, ensuring that they understand and can access their rights, within the context of Independent Advocacy as set out in the Advocacy Charter and Code of Practice.

IMHAs are expected to provide a duty advocacy role as part of a rota which includes occasional Saturday working. (There is no additional payment for this, although time off in lieu is given)

To provide an Independent Mental Health Advocacy Service to Welsh Qualifying Patients in hospitals and registered settings as required by the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendment) and the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010

About You

You will have significant experience working with vulnerable adults and/or children, either within health or social care setting, or indirectly, for example as a carer. You will understand and have experience of working effectively in an intra-agency context with Health and Social Care Professionals.

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

Essential Information

You must be able to drive and have access to a car during the working week.

The starting salary for this role is £24,725 based on a 37 hour week.

There are 2 permanent full-time role at 37 hours per week, based in our Cardiff Office and working throughout the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board Area or Aneurin Bevan Health Board area.

All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check

Closing Date: 17:00, 22 June 2026.

Interviews will be conducted in English.

Please download a copy of the full Job Description and Person Specification before finalising your application.

About Camden People First

Camden People First is a user‑led organisation run by and for adults with learning disabilities. We promote independence, equality, and self‑advocacy across the London Borough of Camden. Our work centres on empowering people to speak up, make their own choices, and influence the services and policies that affect their lives.

This role supports our mission by helping adults with learning disabilities, build confidence, understand their rights, remove barriers and help them to take an active role in their community.

Role Purpose

To provide high‑quality, person‑centred advocacy for adults with learning disabilities, and neurodivergency in Camden. The Community Advocate helps individuals speak up, be heard, access services, challenge unfair treatment, and participate fully in decisions about their lives. The role also strengthens Camden People First’s presence in the community and supports our self‑advocacy groups.

As a Community Advocate, you will empower people to have a bigger voice, to be heard, and to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.

You will support individuals with issues including wellbeing and health, housing needs, accessing services, organising and attending meetings, and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Empowerment

• Support adults with learning disabilities and neurodivergent) to express their views, wishes, and concerns in their own words.
• Provide independent advocacy during meetings, assessments, reviews, and care‑planning processes.
• Support people with a range of communication needs using accessible approaches (signs, symbols, photos, multimedia, etc).
• Help service users understand information and choices using accessible communication (Easy Read, plain English, visuals).
• Encourage and develop self‑advocacy skills so service users can speak up for themselves.
• Manage a caseload of up to 5 active cases at any time.
• Attend meetings and forums alongside service users.

Community Engagement

• Work in partnership with local services, including Camden Council Social Services, health providers, housing teams, and voluntary and community organisations.
• Promote the rights of people with learning disabilities across Camden.
• Support adults with learning disabilities to access community activities, employment, education, and social opportunities.

Casework & Representation

• Manage a caseload of individuals needing one‑to‑one advocacy.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings (such as MASH) to ensure the person’s voice is heard and respected.
• Challenge decisions or practices that undermine an adult with learning disabilities’ rights, wellbeing, or independence.

Safeguarding & Rights Protection

• Identify and report safeguarding concerns in line with Camden People First policies and statutory guidance.
• Promote the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Equality Act, and Human Rights Act and other legislation.
• Ensure all advocacy is independent, confidential, and led by the person.

Administration & Reporting

• Keep accurate case notes, outcome records, and monitoring information.
• Contribute to service evaluation, member feedback, and quality improvement.
• Support the development of accessible information and Easy Read materials.

Internal Relationships

Reports to the Director, with caseload-only supervision by the Volunteer Caseload Supervisor.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Level 4 Independent Advocacy qualification
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities or other vulnerable groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including accessible communication methods.
• Understanding of relevant legislation (MCA, Care Act, Equality Act).
• Ability to build trust, maintain boundaries, and work in a user‑led environment.
• Confident in challenging decisions and advocating assertively but respectfully.
• Commitment to co‑production and working alongside self‑advocates.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in advocacy, social care, community development, or peer‑support settings.
• Knowledge of Camden’s local services and community networks.
• Experience producing Easy Read materials or using tools like photosymbols
• Understanding of user‑led organisations and the social model of disability.

Personal Qualities

• Empathetic, patient, and genuinely person‑centred.
• Passionate about equality, rights, and inclusion.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Comfortable working in a lively, member‑led environment where lived experience is central.

Closing Date Friday 19th June. Interviews scheduled for week commencing 29th June.

At Rethink Advocacy, we believe everyone deserves to have their voice heard — especially those who face barriers in navigating care, rights, and decision‑making. If you’re passionate about empowering people, eager to learn, and ready to grow into a skilled advocate, this could be the perfect role for you.

This role is a full-time 35 hour per week position, Monday to Friday between 9:00am till 17:00pm based in Exeter and the Devon & Torbay Surrounding areas. It requires that the successful candidate is able to travel to appointments within this area throughout their working day.

We also have qualified positions available, for more information visit our Careers Site to find a Description of the Qualified Advocacy Role.

About the role

As a Trainee Multi‑Disciplinary Advocate, you will work across 2 of our local Advocacy Teams. The first Team has a fixed base at Langdon Secure Hospital on Exeter Road in Dawlish. The second Team works remotely across Devon & Torbay as part of the Devon Advocacy Consortium (DAC) whose headquarters are based in Exeter. You’ll support people with a wide range of needs — including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and physical or sensory disabilities — to express their wishes, understand their rights, and be part of decisions that affect their lives.

You don’t need previous advocacy experience.
What you do need is compassion, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

We’ll support you through:

• Full enrolment onto the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification
• Protected study time
• Shadowing, observation, supervision and ongoing training
• Gradual progression to holding your own caseload
• Development in instructed and non‑instructed advocacy approaches

Once qualified, you’ll move into a full Multi‑Disciplinary Advocate role.

What you’ll be doing

• Empowering people to understand their options, rights, and decisions being made about their care
• Delivering advocacy across community and care settings, including homes, hospitals, secure units, and supported living
• Learning and working across three statutory advocacy remits (Independent Mental Health Advocacy IMHA, Independent Care Act Advocacy ICAA and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy IHCA)
• Building strong professional relationships with the people you support
• Maintaining accurate case records and ensuring safeguarding concerns are appropriately raised
• Working flexibly in the field — managing your own diary and travel across Devon & Torbay
• Contributing to service promotion, community awareness, and occasional projects

What we’re looking for

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Are passionate about empowering others and supporting their rights
• Can communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of people
• Are organised, self‑motivated and confident managing your own workload
• Are willing to learn and complete the Level 4 qualification
• Can work within clear professional boundaries and uphold confidentiality
• Have strong values around fairness, respect, equity and person‑led support
• Can travel throughout Devon and Torbay for client visits, training and meetings

This is a field‑based role with homeworking for admin. You’ll travel regularly across Devon and Torbay.

If this sounds like you, apply now! 

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join RSVP’s well‑established ISVA Team. We are seeking a compassionate and motivated professional to provide specialist support to adults impacted by sexual violence.

This 24‑hour‑per‑week role, worked across three set days (Monday and Friday 9am–5pm, and Thursday 11am–7pm), offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have reported, or are considering reporting, their experiences to the police.

As an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA), you will provide practical guidance, emotional support and clear, empowering information to help adults understand their rights, options and choices. You will walk alongside survivors as they navigate their next steps — offering consistent support whether or not they choose to engage with the criminal justice process.

Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)

Location: The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 30 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. Operating hours of the service 8am- 6pm Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover duty shifts.

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

In this role the Duty IGVA is a part of a busy team. The Duty IGVA will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre by other professionals. The Duty IGVA also will be responsible for processing any self-referrals of individuals contacting the service and wishing to access support. The Duty IGVA will be responsible for responding to daily enquiries from partnership agencies, public and impacted individuals over the phone and email.

In some circumstances the Duty IGVA will be contacting survivors directly to assess their level of risk and needs to ensure eligibility. The Duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs assessments. The Duty IGVA will ensure an effective handover of the case to the relevant team for ongoing support.

The Duty IGVA will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The Duty IGVA will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.

The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety. The jobalso  involves working in a fast-paced environment.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

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

Closing Date: 09:00am 11 June 2026

Interview Date: 19 June 2026

DRIVE - IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: FCWA Offices, 77 Montague Street, Blackpool, FY4 1AT

Salary: 

• £26,500 (FTE unqualified) £21,200 based on 30 hours
• £28,500 (FTE qualified or after 2 years of service) £22,800 based on 30 hours

Hours: 30 hours per week- Over 4 days (Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00 pm) Days negotiable

Vacancy Type: 12 Months- continuation is subject to funding

FCWA is an innovative, exciting, and friendly organisation run by a staff team who are passionate about bringing an end to domestic and sexual violence. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

The DRIVE IDVA Role and Key Responsibilities

The Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) plays a critical safeguarding role within the Drive Project, providing specialist, survivor-centred advocacy, safety planning and risk management for victims and survivors linked to Drive cases. The role ensures that survivors’ voices, safety, and well-being remain central to system decision-making throughout the Drive intervention.

The role is positioned to work with victims/survivors of domestic abuse; providing specialist support to victims of high-risk, serial, or high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators who are managed by the Drive Project.

DRIVE IDVA’s provide ongoing recovery support to clients for up to 12 months.

• The role requires the successful candidate to;
• Proactively engage with victim/survivors to build bespoke safety plans, including security measures to increase their immediate and long-term safety.
• Act as the crucial link between the perpetrator’s case manager and the victim/survivor to provide current updates and inform disruptive interventions (e.g., police action, bail conditions).
• Conduct regular risk assessments to monitor changes in the perpetrator's behaviour and reduce the risk of harm to the victim/survivor and any children.
• Represent the victim/survivors’ needs in multi-agency meetings (such as MARAC and DAPP), ensuring a coordinated approach between police, social services, housing, and health.
• Serve as the main contact point for victim/survivors to provide consistent support, information and advocacy throughout the intervention process.
• Support victim/survivors through the legal, criminal or civil justice systems. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Thorough understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims, children, and families.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning, and risk management within domestic abuse services.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities relating to children and vulnerable adults.
• Experience of providing direct support to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable groups.
• Experience working within multi-agency partnerships and legislative frameworks.
• Experience using SafeLives DASH risk assessment tools.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and prioritise competing demands effectively.
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and survivor-centred practice.

Desirable Criteria

• IDVA qualification or willingness to work towards accreditation.
• Knowledge of civil and criminal justice remedies available to victims of domestic abuse.
• Experience working with individuals affected by mental health issues, substance misuse, or multiple disadvantage.
• Knowledge of housing, homelessness, welfare benefits, and CAFCASS processes.
• Understanding of Respect Standards and perpetrator intervention programmes.

Benefits:

• Birthday day off
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular staff support sessions
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in Service insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Friendly, values-driven team environment

Additional Information:

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure and clearance.

Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

To Apply 

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Fylde Coast Womens Aid, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Closing date: 22nd June 2026

Interviews: TBC

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

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

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Worker x 4
Reference: 358
Salary: £26,000 – £27,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Contract: Fixed term 1 Year
Working base(s):
1 person to be based in Borehamwood Wellbeing Centre,
1 person to be based in Ware Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in St Albans Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in Hatfield Wellbeing Centre

About the Service

The Complex Needs Housing Service works as a multi-disciplinary team with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs. The service has been running since 2022 with a dual-district model, however, is now expanding to offer a single district outreach service.

The objectives of the Complex Needs Housing Service are to:

• Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• Increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health in, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
• Reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
• Provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/ or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
• Work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consisting of Change Grow Live (CGL), District and Borough councils, housing teams and other professionals.

About the Role

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and housing.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person-centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach in all aspects of the roles.

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.

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 Wednesday 17th June at 5pm.
Interviews to be held on Thursday 25th June and Monday 29th June at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.

N.B. Please quote reference number 358 when completing your application for this role.

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.

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. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Independent Living Advisor (Direct Payments)
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Action on Disability, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London, SW6 7BF

The Organisation

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations. As we believe in the social model of disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working both internally and in all our activities, seek the participation and contribution of our members, and encourage and respect diversity.

The organisation is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees (at least 75% is disabled trustees), 20 staff and a strong ad hoc staff and volunteer base including many with direct experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers that disabled people face.

AoD provides five key services. These are: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, Independent Living and Our Place.

AoD’s Independent Living Service

The Independent Living Service (Direct Payments) is a new service that will provide support to Direct Payment users within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The service will enable disabled people to have genuine choice and control over the way in which they lead their lives.The post-holder will be working alongside disabled people to enable them to have more choice and control over their care and support needs.

Purpose of Post

To work with individuals, their family and friends (where appropriate) to provide them with information, advice and assistance to enable them to access and manage a Direct Payment

(DP) and recruit and manage a Personal Assistant (PA).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support to individuals employing their own Personal (care) Assistant (PA) or engage an agency to deliver care and support.

1. Provide information and advice on becoming an employer and the role of the Personal Assistant.

2. Ensure that the client understands their legal obligations and responsibilities of being an employer.

3. Work with clients to: set up a profile on the Find-a-pa website, advertise and recruit a Personal Assistant, create a personalised job description and specification identify the level of experience and training requirements needed for the role.

4. Advise and help to calculate the PA’s salary and on costs (full training provided).

5. Support the client through the interview process and where necessary sit in during interviews.

6. Support individuals to reference, check legal status and where necessary DBS their support worker.

7. Support individuals to set up an induction plan for their PA and enable them to identify training needs.

8. Support the client to complete payroll and insurance documentation.

9. Work with the client to draw up a Statement of Particular (contract) for the employed PA (templates provided).

10.  Encourage DP employers to take a lead in all employment issues. Information on where to seek advice e.g. ACAS, Fish and Premier Care helpline will be given and clients will be encouraged to use them.

11.  Ensure that the individual has a back-up plan for emergencies.

12.  Encourage DP employers to be assertive and proactive with their Personal Assistants.

13.  Work with agencies to set up support for clients who may not wish to employ a PA directly.

Ongoing support to individuals in receipt of Direct Payments

1.Providing advice on employment issues.

2. Support individuals to solve practical problems e.g. lateness of staff, change of needs.

3. Support individuals to recruit again if necessary.

4. Assist individuals to re-look at budgets, training and job descriptions as they change over time.

5. Assist individuals to ensure that they continue to manage their Direct Payment or budget.

6. Support individuals to make informed choices.

7. Meet with the DP Support Group on a regular basis.

8. Assist in the development of training and other resources to support employers to manage their DP and their PA relationships.

9. Develop links and professional relationships with Social Work teams to support a healthy level of referrals.

For all work:

• Work in a person-centred way.
• Comply with AoD’s agreed policies and procedures.
• Participate in the wider development of the service and contribute to service improvement as required.
• Be computer literate and administratively self-supporting.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as identified by the Direct Payments Lead or line manager.

Special requirements

• Ability to travel within the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
• Some attendance at meetings and events outside of normal office hours will be required.

Person Specification

To be considered for this role, candidates must have:

• Good standard of education.
• Experience of recruiting volunteers or staff.
• Knowledge of employment law.
• Understanding of social care and Direct Payments legislation.
• Experience/knowledge of supporting individuals to recruit and manage employees.
• Experience of working with clients with support needs.
• Experience of using a person-centred approach.
• Ability to think creatively and to come up with solutions.
• Ability to gather and assess information efficiently.
• Numeracy skills and knowledge of budgeting.
• Ability to use Word and Excel packages to a high standard.
• Ability to work under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
• A flexible approach and able to work on own initiative
• Good communication skills including interpersonal, written, presentational and spoken.
• Ability to guide in a sensitive way
• Ability to assess and match skills and personalities to individual needs and preferences.
• Commitment to the Social Model of Disability and to promote choice, independence, rights and inclusion.
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims of the organisation.
• Excellent practical understanding of the need for confidentiality.
• An understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Desirable qualities

• Experience of working with disabled people
• Lived experience of disability

Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026
N.B. we reserve the right to close this vacancy early and/or begin interviewing before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
Early applications are therefore encouraged.

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from Disabled people and people with long term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all of our employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

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

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Community Support Worker (Primary Care Network)
Reference Number: 362
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Reports to: Team Leader (Complex Needs & Community)
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Herts Mind Wellbeing Centre closest to Successful applicant(s).

We are looking for a Community Support Worker to join our team. The Primary Care Network Service works in partnership with GP surgeries in Hertfordshire to provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to individuals who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. Supporting people in the community in their own homes and our wellbeing centres.

Community Support (PCN) Service Objectives

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To ensure correct access via Primary Care into the HMN service therefore reducing the pressure on GP services
• To contribute to an improvement in the proportion of people with mental ill health who are accessing specialist support via their GP surgery
• To provide an assertive outreach approach for clients that may have complex or multiple needs.

The Successful Candidate will

• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing.
• Maintain and enhance service delivery standards and effectiveness.
• Promoting the service, increasing visibility and being responsive to changing needs.
• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage service users to develop their independence within their local community.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of service users using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

Key Accountabilities

• To receive referrals a wide range of referral pathways.
• To undertake initial contact with clients and complete a holistic needs assessment, making use of assertive outreach work to achieve the initial client contact, if required.
• To provide holistic support both outreach and in our centres and advocacy services to clients experiencing mental ill health.
• Ensure all person-centered risk assessments and support plans are completed as appropriate.
• To accompany clients to initial visits and appointments as necessary in order to ensure the sustained use of existing support services.
• To liaise with other agencies to ensure that clients receive appropriate support and continue to remain engaged with the service.
• To assist clients to access appropriate mental health services, drug and alcohol services, housing/tenancy services and other services according to assessed needs.
• To establish effective pathways across a variety of agencies to maximise and provide effective partnership working.

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.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

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 on 6th July 2026 at 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing centre.
Please note: this role may close sooner due to demand in applications.
N.B. Please quote reference number 362 when completing your application for this role.

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.

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. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community supporting unaccompanied minors who have experienced human rights abuses and are seeking asylum, refugee status and settlement in the United Kingdom.

The role of a Therapeutic Community Caseworker at the Baobab Centre is to support unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee adolescents and young adults to access care, basic rights and entitlements and to support their social development and rehabilitation.This role involves working closely with the clinical key worker of each young person and with our wider multidisciplinary team. As a Caseworker you will aim to empower individuals to build stable, independent lives in the UK, including by supporting them to communicate their views, needs and experiences in decision-making processes, and supporting them to make challenges when necessary. Caseworkers assist young people to make effective choices about what happens in their lives and encourage them to speak up and build agency.

Baobab aims to be a non-residential therapeutic community with a holistic and integrated perspective.As a Caseworker, you will play a key role within our multidisciplinary team. We aim to be a thinking organisation and place a high value on shared thinking time and shared responsibilities. Our team work together with each other and with agencies and key individuals in young people’s lives, both within and outside of Baobab. A key aspect of the role is communicating with members of the clinical and admin staff team within the Baobab Centre and with other workers in the network around each young person including social workers, teachers, foster carers, lawyers, hospital consultants, housing and benefits workers. etc. You will strive to develop relationships across networks and advocate access to rights and entitlements for our community members. 

It is critical that as a Caseworker: 

• you have an insight to the backgrounds and experiences of both the internal and external factors impacting on the lives of unaccompanied young people attending our centre and an understanding of the broader context in our society as it impacts on young asylum seekers (including invisibility, marginalisation, discrimination and the fact of waiting in uncertainty for a long time.

• You have an insight in how trauma and the many human rights violations and persecution that most members of our community have experienced impact on all aspects of a young person’s internal and external world. 

• You have an insight in how current immigration rules and social care system procedures act as barriers to rehabilitation, including by restricting access to education, adequate benefits, housing and healthcare provision.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

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

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service CSS)
Reference: 360
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time, 25 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Working base: St Albans Wellbeing Centre/St Albans food bank centres

About the Service

St Albans & District Foodbank is an independent charity within the Trussell network, operating nine foodbank centres across the district alongside a central warehouse and home delivery service. Over recent years, the Foodbank has developed a “More Than a Foodbank” model, recognising that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation and that many people accessing support are also experiencing poor mental health, debt, housing insecurity, social isolation and wider practical challenges.

Alongside emergency food provision, the Foodbank has developed strong partnership working with Citizens Advice St Albans District, local mental health organisations, statutory services and community groups to create a more joined-up and person-centred support model.

The Reaching Communities partnership between St Albans & District Foodbank, Citizens Advice and Hertfordshire Mind Network aims to provide integrated practical, emotional and wellbeing support within trusted community settings. The partnership focuses on early intervention, reducing repeat crisis, improving access to support and helping people navigate systems before situations escalate further.

About the Role

The Outreach Worker role is intended to feel fully embedded within the Foodbank environment and wider Foodbank Plus model, working relationally and practically alongside the Wellbeing Team, volunteers and partner organisations to support people experiencing hardship and complex life circumstances.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• Expand employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement
• Strengthen existing service provision for financial advice, food security, and homelessness support.
• Build strong local partnerships, volunteer networks, and stakeholder relationships.
• Deliver measurable outcomes for residents, with a focus on those experiencing deprivation and marginalisation.
• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties, mental ill-health, these will be clients who are presenting to the police, anti-social behaviour, tenancy enforcement, housing and environmental health services within Hertfordshire.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

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.

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 6th July 2026 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at the Watford well-being centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 360 when completing your application for this role.

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. 

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. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

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

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (CSS Housing)
Reference: 363
Salary: £26,000 - £26,500 per annum
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week (5 days per week)
Reports to: Senior Lead Complex Needs and Community
Working base: West Hertfordshire + possible Herts countywide travel.

About the Service

Community Outreach Workers support people with complex needs who have Housing issues as a primary need. This includes people who may have drug and alcohol difficulties. Particularly when they are coming into repeat contact with Police, Tenancy Sustainment Services, Housing and Homelessness Services and Environmental Health Services.

The five-day post will be delivered in West Hertfordshire. With the flexibility to travel Hertfordshire County.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties and mental ill-health. These will be clients who are presenting to the Police, Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Health Services within Hertfordshire.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• Raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

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.

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 3rd July 2026 at 5pm
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing Centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 363 when completing your application for this role.

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.

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. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.