Independent mental health advocate jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £26,701.36 per annum 
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

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

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

We are looking for a skilled, values driven IDVA who is committed to challenging inequality, reducing harm, and improving safety for adults and children affected by domestic abuse. You will bring relevant professional experience, strong skills in assessment, engagement, safety planning and communication, and the ability to work safely in complex and high risk situations. We are seeking people who can hold clear boundaries and accountability while offering empathy, curiosity and respect. You will work in a trauma informed, survivor centred and strengths based way, recognising each survivor as the expert in their own life. You will understand how gendered power, oppression and structural barriers shape survivors’ experiences, and you will be confident applying these principles in your practice.

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 27 April 2026

Interview Date: 6 May 2026

Anawim are looking to recruit a qualified IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) to join their Central Services team. 

Central Services is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to women through our Casework and Drop-in projects. These projects aim to address various challenges faced by women in Birmingham. 

Casework Project offers specialised support in key areas including, Domestic Violence – IDVA, Children and Families, Accommodation, Substance Misuse, Multiple Complex Needs, Trauma.

Caseworkers will be required to provide individualise support, practical advice and signposting on a range of matters such as money management, benefits, homelessness, drug treatments, parenting, children’s education, healthcare, legal and immigration issues, mental health, training education and employment opportunities.Women may also present with issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation and safety planning. 

From our Birmingham centre, Anawim provides trauma informed services including holistic support and advocacy to enable women to reach their potential 

Our Vision statement:  

A world where women are safe, free, valued and equal members of society. 

Our Values: 

Anawim believes in the intrinsic value of every person and welcomes each women without judgement 

We are deeply committed to listening to our women and building services around their needs 

We help women to navigate the complex challenges they are facing and we do all that we can to support them for as long as they needs us 

Anawim empowers women to make positive changes to turn their lives around, helping them, one step at a time – to become independent 

We want the best for our women and to make sure their basic needs are met.We won’t rest until we’ve done all we can to keep them safe. 

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities - 

To bring expertise around DVA into the MASH teams within Solihull Childrens services to improve practice, providing guidance and support to professionals to build understanding of safe and appropriate interventions with women and children.

To provide information, support and signposting for women supported by Solihull Children’s Services disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse.

Experience Required - 

Influencing professional practice, including delivering training and awareness sessions

Carrying out needs and risk assessments and support of women experiencing abuse 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and young people 

Monitoring and evaluating projects

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To provide specialist expertise on DVA within the Public Protection Unit (PPU) and the local policing unit (LPU) across Coventry and Solihull police stations, covering Solihull Borough. This role will support the improvement of police practice by providing tailored guidance, advice, and professional support to officers and staff, strengthening their understanding of safe, trauma informed and appropriate interventions with women and children affected by DVA.

To provide information, support and signposting for women accessing WMP disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse.

Experience Required -

Influencing professional practice, including delivering training and awareness sessions 

Carrying out needs and risk assessments and support of women experiencing abuse 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and young people

Monitoring and evaluating projects

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We are looking for a new Team Leader to join our team in.We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support. 

About us 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.

About the role? 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join our team covering a variety of health boards.You will be a passionate supporter of quality driven, outcome centric, advocacy provision and in coaching others to achieve the exacting standards of excellence in advocacy required to support our clients. 

About you 

We are looking for a strong and resilient leader with experience of managing a team. Desirably you will have worked or volunteered in a welfare, supporting role, or caring for adults or young people who have support needs.

You will be committed to driving high performance and practice standards by actively engaging with our Practice Management team to interpret data. Thereby, making informed decisions and ensuring that the highest standards of advocacy are achieved. 

You will ensure a culture of learning and continuous development through a mix of team and supervision meetings, and reflective practice. 

You will be experienced in managing risks relating to the safety and wellbeing of staff members and the safeguarding of service users.

How will you make a difference? 

You will be responsible for ensuring your team delivery of the highest standards of advocacy, ensuring that all contact with clients is outcome driven. 

You will support your team and ensure that they have the necessary skills to make a difference in peoples lives on a daily basis.Assisting them to grow in confidence and empowering them to assist those in need of support. 

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with people across the organisation to assist you and your team, fostering a learning culture where all views are respected. 

Benefits  

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service  

5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution  

Salary sacrifices pension scheme  

Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)  

Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc  

24/7 Employee Assistance programme  

Access to remote counselling service  

Paid Disability Leave  

Paid compassionate Leave  

Home Working Allowance   

Support with continuous professional development  

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development   

Personal Development Plans  

How are staff supported to work remotely?  

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.  

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).   

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.  

Equality and Diversity 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the People Team for further options. 

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To plan and implement high quality support and advocacy services for women affected by domestic violence who are deemed as being high risk.

To work within a multi-agency framework to ensure the safety of women is prioritised.

Experience Required- 

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence. 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc. 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults. 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May. 

Evolve Counselling is a long‑established Cambridgeshire charity providing professional, affordable mental‑health support to individuals, organisations and communities. Each year, Evolve delivers thousands of counselling sessions through a team of trained, accredited counsellors working across the East of England region.

Our mission is to deliver counselling services to adults at the lowest possible cost, wherever possible seeking to subsidise sessions for those on low incomes. We do this through a mixed model of commissioned services, private counselling, and grant‑supported provision. By working to grow and foster a membership body of professional counsellors, Evolve strives to improve access to quality counselling and psychotherapy for all, and to create a positive working environment for those in the profession.

The CEO role provides strategic and operational leadership to drive Evolve’s growth, sustainability and impact. The position delivers effective organisational management, high‑quality service delivery, robust governance, regulatory compliance, and a positive staff culture.  Working in conjunction with the board, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the organisation’s future, ensuring that Evolve remains a trusted, quality and sustainable source of mental health support for years to come. 

Following several years of successful internal stabilisation—strengthening governance, staffing, and operational systems—the charity is ready to enter a critical period of transformation and growth. Our current CEO plans to retire in September 2026, having laid strong foundations for what must come next.

Our new CEO will lead Evolve into this next phase—strengthening partnerships, expanding referral pathways, stabilising revenue streams, and championing accessible counselling across our communities.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check.