6 Independent mental health advocate jobs in Birmingham, West Midlands

Are you qualified for BSL Level 6? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part time Independent Advocate to join our Birmingham team. This role covers statutory advocacy services including Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy and Care Act Advocacy. The post will be home based working across Birmingham including providing advocacy support for the Deaf and hard of hearing people in care homes and on secure mental health hospital wards in our area.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

You will need to have experience of working with Deaf people and providing BSL communication support. Due to this specific element of this role, a minimum proficiency of level 6 British Sign Language (BSL) is required.

Hours of Work: Part Time: hours to be agreed working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel across Birmingham and the surrounding area(Applicants should live within the Birmingham area/within reasonable travelling distance; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport, travel expenses will only be paid within the Birmingham border area.)

Salary: Starting salary to be agreed dependent on hours (£25,877.80 pro-rata)

Contract Type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults in the Community and also within secure Mental Health settings.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata)+ Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days (pro-rata) after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service! Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan
• Death in service cover.
• Bike to work scheme.
   

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone.  It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification.  The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ).  If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Interview Date: To be confirmed

An enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a member of the Disability confidence scheme, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Make a Difference to the Lives of Survivors of Sexual Violence

RoSA a registered charity providing high-quality, specialist services across Warwickshire to survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence. Our dedicated and compassionate team is committed to alleviating the impact of trauma, empowering survivors to make informed choices and supporting them on their journey towards recovery.

Our services are trauma-informed, client-led and inclusive, supporting adults, young people and children of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and motivated Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) to join our team.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting survivors and wants to make a meaningful difference within a respected specialist organisation.

About the Role

As an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), you will provide practical, emotional and advocacy support to adults who have experienced recent or non-recent sexual violence.

Working in a trauma-informed and client-centred way, you will empower survivors to understand their options, access appropriate services and, where appropriate, navigate the Criminal Justice System.

This role requires excellent communication skills, resilience, empathy and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with partner agencies.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Manage a varied caseload, providing high-quality, person-centred support throughout a client's journey.
• Build trusting and supportive relationships with survivors using a trauma-informed approach.
• Carry out comprehensive risk and needs assessments and develop individual support plans.
• Review and update support plans in line with clients' changing needs.
• Provide emotional and practical support tailored to each individual's circumstances.
• Support clients through the Criminal Justice System by explaining processes, rights and available options.
• Accompany clients to police interviews, court hearings, medical appointments and multi-agency meetings where appropriate.
• Provide information and guidance regarding Criminal Injuries Compensation applications and other available support.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure they receive the services and support to which they are entitled.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner agencies including Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Courts, Health Services, Social Care, Education, Housing Providers, Victim Support, the Witness Service and voluntary sector organisations.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and timely case records using secure electronic systems.
• Complete monitoring, evaluation and outcome reporting to support service development and funding requirements.
• Work within safeguarding procedures, organisational policies and professional boundaries at all times.
• Participate in regular supervision, reflective practice, training and continuing professional development.

About You

The successful applicant will have:

• A sound understanding of the impact of sexual violence, trauma and abuse on individuals.
• Experience of providing support, advocacy or casework to vulnerable people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish trust and rapport.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to effectively manage a busy and varied caseload.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively as part of a supportive team.
• An understanding of child protection, adult safeguarding and risk management.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
• High levels of empathy, resilience, professionalism and emotional intelligence.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Excellent written communication and record-keeping skills.
• A willingness to undertake training.
• A commitment to regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence.
• Access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• Ability and willingness to travel across the service area.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of survivors of sexual violence.
• A supportive, experienced and dedicated team.
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
• Regular line management and clinical supervision.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
• Annual leave entitlement and pension scheme (in accordance with organisational policies).

Safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within our workforce.

We are committed to working in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive way, ensuring that all survivors receive accessible, equitable and high-quality support.

Salary

£25,000–£27,000 per annum pro rata (22.5 hours per week), depending on experience.

Interviews

These will be held on Monday 12th October 2026.

Closing Date

28th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Benefits

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Work from home

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advocate - Permanent 

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £26,701.36per annum 
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

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 16 September 2026

Interview Date: 23 September 2026

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

• Location: Preference for Midlands based, either home based or in Headway UK’s office in Nottingham.
• Salary: £35,000 FTE (pro rata for 21 hours per week) (days are flexible)

Brief overview

Are you a professional with experience supporting brain injury survivors?

Are you passionate about improving standards or care, for brain injury survivors?

Would you be good at conducting assessments and supporting residentials care units to improve the care that they provide?

Headway UK developed the Approved Provider Scheme in 2011, which is a voluntary standards-based accreditation, for rehabilitation and residential units for people with a brain injury and we are looking for a new part time team member.

By participating in the scheme Approved Provider units affirm their dedication to excellent care, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. The accreditation of units is then published for families, individuals and professionals to help inform their choices when identifying suitable provision for brain injury survivors. Our accreditation process is designed to be collaborative and supportive, guiding units through every step towards achieving and maintaining exemplary service standards.

The role will involve, conducting and writing assessments and working with the Approved Provider and Training Manager to manage Lead Assessors, who are based around the UK and the Service User Perspective Assessors, who are either brain injury survivors, or family members/ carers.

Embrace Headway’s mission of Improving Life After Brain Injury. Join us to ensure the highest quality care for ABI survivors throughout their journey to recovery.

What you will do:

• Conduct Approved Provider assessments, which includes going into brain injury residential units and assessing the services they provide and making recommendations, to improve practice against the framework.
• Writing and reviewing reports for Approved Provider units, following assessments, that clearly highlight strengths and areas for development.
• Contributing to the development and growth of Headway UK’s Approved Provider scheme, by continuing to drive forward standards and onboarding new units.
• Working with freelance Lead Assessors and Service User Perspective Assessors (who are brain injury survivors or family members) who are based around the UK, to organise assessments and ensure the schemes standards are upheld.

About you

We’re open-minded and welcome all applicants who believe they can succeed. Though ideally, you will have:

• Prior experience of working in the field of acquired brain injury.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, physiotherapy, nursing, social work).
• Ability to write and moderate written reports of high quality and clarity, to provide accurate and accessible feedback.
• Very good IT skills, including be proficient in the Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams).
• Ability to gain the trust, confidence, and respect at all levels within external organisations and staff groups.
• Be an excellent communicator, with new and existing Approved Provider units.

Benefits

As a staff member at Headway UK you’ll have access the following range of benefits;

Financial Security 

• Competitive Salaries
• Pension - You’ll be automatically be enrolled into the Pensions People with Headway contributing between 5 – 8%
• Occupational Sick Pay Scheme – Increasing with length of service.
• Death in Service Benefit - You’ll have the security of knowing if anything happens to you your loved ones will be provided for

Flexible Working

• Remote working – For the majority of our roles we can facilitate fully remote or hybrid working.
• We understand that a healthy work-life balance is essential for our team to thrive. Headway UK offers flexible working arrangements, promoting well-being and ensuring you can take care of yourself while you care for others.

Wellbeing

• You’ll benefit from a fully comprehensive 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including access to counselling services.
• Eye Test Vouchers
• Mental Health First Aiders

Holidays and leave

• You’ll get 25 days leave incrementally increasing to 30 days based on service plus Bank Holidays.
• Birthday leave

Benefits

• You’ll have access to a range of shopping and lifestyle benefits and discounts through our IMHR Plus Privilege membership.

About us

Headway UK plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Our comprehensive services encompass rehabilitation, counselling, and practical assistance to help survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life. Headway UK is at the forefront of raising awareness about the challenges faced by those with brain injuries and advocates for their rights, ensuring they receive the care and understanding they deserve. Through a combination of educational initiatives, community outreach, and personalised support, Headway UK strives to rebuild lives, offering a lifeline to those navigating the complexities of brain injury recovery.

Embark on a fulfilling career with Headway UK and join our compassionate team and contribute to our mission of rebuilding lives after brain injury. Make a meaningful impact with Headway UK, where every role plays a crucial part in empowering those on the path to recovery.

Safeguarding

At Headway UK we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow best practice as set out within the Care Act 2014. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruiting procedures and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks including a criminal background check and two satisfactory references.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

We recognise, value and champion diversity and inclusion. We want to ensure are staff population reflect the diverse service users that we support. For us diversity and inclusion is about building happy teams, full of people that want to learn and be inspired by each other, by our different experiences and backgrounds. Inclusion means providing the people we recruit with opportunities and valuing everyone’s contributions and perspectives.

We are also committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need support with the application or you would like a chat about what it’s like to work with us.

Thank you for your interest in Headway UK and we look forward to getting to know you!

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Fundraising Manager

Location: Remote, with occasional travel for funder and staff meetings 4-5 times a year

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Philanthropy Officer to join our small, ambitious fundraising team. IPSEA has a proven track record of successfully securing grants for core costs and projects. You will be responsible for researching new funding opportunities, preparing and submitting tailored applications and reports, and managing relationships with funders through thoughtful and timely stewardship. You will also have the opportunity to shape the early development of our strategies in major gifts and wider philanthropy and contribute to this work into the future.

This is a key role in IPSEA’s fundraising strategy and will help secure long-term financial sustainability for our services. 

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND and would like to use your fundraising skills at IPSEA, we would love to hear from you. 

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 5 October 2026.

First-round interviews: on 16 October in London, with second-round interviews (online) in the week commencing 19 October 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.