Home Based: Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Job reference: 173

Contract Type: Permanent

Part time: 18.5 hours per week, between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Actual working pattern will be agreed with the successful candidate.

Salary: £12,250.00 - £12,811.50 per annum, pro rata (full time equivalent£22,500.00 - £25,623.00 per annum+ benefits* (dependent on qualifications and experience and rise after probation is passed)

*Benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, access to quality training, pension scheme.

Due to the nature of the role and In line with legislation, the successful candidate will need to confirm and demonstrate that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated, or be able to provide certified medical exemption.

Giving people a voice – and making sure it’s heard – is something POhWER does every day. We’re all about promoting equality, challenging unfairness and giving disadvantaged and vulnerable people access to high quality information, advice and advocacy services. POhWER is a registered charity that provides a range of services across England.

We are looking to recruit people who share our core values and can demonstrate that they apply and live those values in their daily working practice.

As a result of internal changes within the team, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent part time Independent Advocate to join our West Midlands team. The post will be home based for the administration part of the role with client meetings taking place across the Wolverhampton and further West Midlands area as required.

The successful candidate will receive a full personalised induction programme and service specific training. As well as your line manager and supervisor, you will also be allocated a service specific mentor to support you as you begin your casework.

You would be joining a very friendly, experienced and diverse team of advocates who provide support for citizens across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands.

You will be supporting a wide range of vulnerable adults often with profound and multiple needs, so experience of this type of work will be valuable, along with a good working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Ideally, you will have a working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards; the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended, most recently by the Mental Health Act 2007), strong experience working with vulnerable adults who are affected by significant health and social care issues and unable to speak up for themselves; and experience providing persuasive verbal and written representations.

This role will cover statutory services - Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Advocacy under the Care Act and also Community Advocacy and NHS Complaints Advocacy.

You will be a confident positive team player, able to work in partnership with clients and professionals, gaining an understanding of their issues by listening, exploring options and taking action as directed by them or in acting their best interest where clients are unable to instruct.

Our ideal candidate will have experience in, or a good understanding of, advocacy, information and advice or similar role - ideally in a health, social care or voluntary setting and will have experience of working with vulnerable adults.

More importantly to us, you will need to share our values and passion about advocacy.

This is an opportunity to add real value to the lives of vulnerable people.

A flexible attitude is required, and you must be comfortable handling highly sensitive information whilst able to work well independently and confidently on behalf of others. Strong communication skills and time management skills will be required and you will need to be computer literate.

Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport. Travel expenses will only be paid once in the West Midlands area border.

Due to the nature of the role, you will also need to have had your Covid vaccinations.

As a minimum you should have:

• A good understanding of statutory advocacy under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• An understanding of relevant public sector complaints processes
• Experience providing written reports to a high standard
• Ability to form positive boundaried working relationships with a wide range of clients
• Ability to support clients who may have a range of particular communication and other needs
• Ability to provide non-instructed advocacy
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects
• Ability to research options to ensure clients can make an informed choice
• Excellent communications skills, able to communicate sensitively and empathetically
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals and other organisations
• Manage risk to self and others
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills
• An effective team player
• Flexible positive approach

Ideally you will also have:

• An excellent working knowledge and experience working within the frameworks of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• Knowledge of advocacy best practice and experience delivering advocacy to the highest standards
• Excellent knowledge of public and third sector organisations and processes
• Experience of using relevant complaints processes
• Completed the National Advocacy Qualification
• Knowledge of non-Instructed advocacy
• Experience of working with people with a range of needs including acquired brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health problems (including diagnosed mental disorders)
• Willingness to work in a range of environments

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter (cover letter no longer than 1 side of A4) before the application deadline 9am, Monday 17th January 2022. In your cover letter please include your reasons for applying for the role, how you meet the person specification criteria if you hold a current driving licence and have access to your own vehicle and your notice period.

Please submit your CV and cover letter quoting reference 173.

Previous unsuccessful candidates do not need to apply.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 17th January 2022

Interviews: Thursday 20th January 2022 via Zoom

A DBS check will be required for this post.

Home Based: Sandwell, West Midlands

Job reference: 172

Contract Type: Permanent

Full time: 37 hours, 5 days per week working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Salary: £22,500.00 - £25,623.00 per annum+ benefits* (dependent on qualifications and experience and rise after probation is passed)

*Benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, access to quality training, pension scheme.

Due to the nature of the role and In line with legislation, the successful candidate will need to confirm and demonstrate that they are fully COVID-19 vaccinated, or be able to provide certified medical exemption.

Giving people a voice – and making sure it’s heard – is something POhWER does every day. We’re all about promoting equality, challenging unfairness and giving disadvantaged and vulnerable people access to high quality information, advice and advocacy services. POhWER is a registered charity that provides a range of services across England.

We are looking to recruit people who share our core values and can demonstrate that they apply and live those values in their daily working practice.

As a result of internal changes within the team, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a permanent full time Independent Advocate to join our West Midlands team. The post will be home based for the administration part of the role with client meetings taking place across the Sandwell and further West Midlands area as required.

The successful candidate will receive a full personalised induction programme and service specific training. As well as your line manager and supervisor, you will also be allocated a service specific mentor to support you as you begin your casework.

You would be joining a very friendly, experienced and diverse team of advocates who provide support for citizens across Sandwell and the West Midlands.

You will be supporting a wide range of vulnerable adults often with profound and multiple needs, so experience of this type of work will be valuable, along with a good working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Ideally, you will have a working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, including the Deprivation of Liberty safeguards; the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended, most recently by the Mental Health Act 2007), strong experience working with vulnerable adults who are affected by significant health and social care issues and unable to speak up for themselves; and experience providing persuasive verbal and written representations.

This role will cover statutory services - Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Advocacy under the Care Act and also Community Advocacy and NHS Complaints Advocacy.

You will be a confident positive team player, able to work in partnership with clients and professionals, gaining an understanding of their issues by listening, exploring options and taking action as directed by them or in acting their best interest where clients are unable to instruct.

Our ideal candidate will have experience in, or a good understanding of, advocacy, information and advice or similar role - ideally in a health, social care or voluntary setting and will have experience of working with vulnerable adults.

More importantly to us, you will need to share our values and passion about advocacy.

This is an opportunity to add real value to the lives of vulnerable people.

A flexible attitude is required, and you must be comfortable handling highly sensitive information whilst able to work well independently and confidently on behalf of others. Strong communication skills and time management skills will be required and you will need to be computer literate.

Because of the nature and location of the role, applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport. Travel expenses will only be paid once in the West Midlands area border.

Due to the nature of the role, you will also need to have had your Covid vaccinations.

We apologise in advance, that if you do not hear back from us within two weeks of the closing date then please presume that you have been unsuccessful.

As a minimum you should have:

• A good understanding of statutory advocacy under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• An understanding of relevant public sector complaints processes
• Experience providing written reports to a high standard
• Ability to form positive boundaried working relationships with a wide range of clients
• Ability to support clients who may have a range of particular communication and other needs
• Ability to provide non-instructed advocacy
• Ability to manage a complex caseload covering a wide range of subjects
• Ability to research options to ensure clients can make an informed choice
• Excellent communications skills, able to communicate sensitively and empathetically
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals and other organisations
• Manage risk to self and others
• Good personal planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills
• An effective team player
• Flexible positive approach

Ideally you will also have:

• An excellent working knowledge and experience working within the frameworks of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007 Amendments)
• Knowledge of advocacy best practice and experience delivering advocacy to the highest standards
• Excellent knowledge of public and third sector organisations and processes
• Experience of using relevant complaints processes
• Completed the National Advocacy Qualification
• Knowledge of non-Instructed advocacy
• Experience of working with people with a range of needs including acquired brain injury, autism, learning disabilities, dementia, mental health problems (including diagnosed mental disorders)
• Willingness to work in a range of environments

How to apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter (cover letter no longer than 1 side of A4) before the application deadline 9am, Monday 17th January 2022. In your cover letter please include your reasons for applying for the role, how you meet the person specification criteria if you hold a current driving licence and have access to your own vehicle and your notice period.

Please submit your CV and cover letter quoting reference 172.

Previous unsuccessful candidates do not need to apply.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 17th January 2022

Interviews: Thursday 20th January 2022 via Zoom

A DBS check will be required for this post.

Mental Health IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor)

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week (may include weekend and evening work)

Salary: £24,982                                                         

Job Purpose: 

• To provide individual information, support and signposting for women, including young women supported by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust disclosing experiences of domestic violence/abuse

• To provide training and support to health professionals within BSMHT on understanding and responding to DVA

Responsible To: IRIS Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy and support service

• To provide support to women, experiencing DVA referred or signposted by trust colleagues.
• To provide direct casework support, advice and information, advocacy to women experiencing DVA through telephone contact, and/or meetings at the department, face to face contacts in clinical teams.

• To work with women experiencing DVA to increase their personal safety (and that of any children) and inform them of their rights and options in terms of housing, legal and welfare rights
• To be clear of Safeguarding principles, seeking guidance from the Trust Safeguarding Team where appropriate.

• To develop good working relationships and liaise with outside agencies when needed. This will include referral to colleagues within BSWA, to other specialist DVA services or other external agencies when appropriate
• To keep accurate records of all work done with or on behalf of clients and produce written reports as requested, including a monthly report of referrals and the take up of these referrals advocacy including outputs and patient outcomes
• To contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Practice-based work

• To work alongside mental health colleagues to deliver training and awareness sessions to health care professionals about DVA within BSMHT
• To promote awareness of the experiences and needs of women living with or escaping DVA, particularly in relation to their health

• To develop a good relationship with all staff and work effectively as part of the departmental team. This includes:

• provision of systematic support to teams in participating departments, including meeting with individuals and small groups of clinical and administrative staff
• working closely with DVA champions in each department, where applicable
• attending relevant meetings

• To further develop effective assessment and monitoring procedures and ensure that clear accurate records are kept and maintained
• To review number of advocate referrals made by clinicians in participating departments.

Administration and Monitoring

• To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems
• To keep accurate records of financial transitions in line with BSWA’s procedures
• To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date
• To monitor and evaluate the service, via various methods including feedback from service users
• To contribute where appropriate to the preparation of returns for funders
• To follow the host Trust’s policies and procedures

Communication:

• To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the staff, volunteers and service users by:
  • Maintaining BSWA and trust communication records
  • Following safety procedures
  • Attending team meetings
• To attend in-house and Trust training
• To attend support and supervision sessions, including case reviews and safeguarding, with your line manager
• To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies
• To be involved in the Annual Review process
• To participate in multi agency work, including delivery of training and awareness sessions, as agreed with your line manager
• To promote awareness of BSWA services and the impact of domestic violence on women and children

Training:

• To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager
• To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users
• To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager

General:

• To work within BSWA and Trust policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA.
• To work within BSWA’s and BSMHT’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice and offer an equal service to all women, children and young people regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation
• To maintain the confidentiality of women and children using the service and in all matters relating to the organisations.
• To work within BSWA, Trust and local multi-agency adult and child safeguarding procedures. Where this may produce conflict immediately raise with line manager. (Worker will be trained to level 3 safeguarding)
• To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level
• To work within the principles and standards of Birmingham DV Standards and support Birmingham Domestic Abuse Strategy
• To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times
• To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post

These posts are subject to a 6% pension contribution.  Women only need apply.  These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010). 

BSWA operates within Safer Recruitment good practice guidelines. Please note all successful candidates will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service Check before commencing their employment.

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.

Crisis Intervention Workers (Mental Health)

Erdington, Birmingham

£18,639 per annum (pro rata £14,912)

30 hours per week

Evenings and Weekends (covering 5pm-11pm, 7 days a week)

Our client is a leading provider of mental health services in Birmingham and the West Midlands. They offer high quality services that support both recovery and wellbeing and they actively work with people so that they can be in control of their lives. With respect for the individual at the forefront of all the work they do, Birmingham Mind has a well-earned reputation for excelling in quality.

With over 50 years’ experience of supporting people with mental health difficulties within their local communities they always strive to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental distress.

They have been at the forefront of developing a crisis café model as part of the crisis pathway for individuals who are experiencing emotional/psychological distress.

About the role:

The Crisis Intervention Worker will be working closely with individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis and/or episodes of psychological/emotional distress.  The main purpose of the role is to assist individuals through appropriate person-centred interventions to be able to address and help de-escalate their immediate crisis experience.

Listening to individuals in a crisis will be a key aspect of your role and involves focusing, observing, understanding and responding with empathy, genuineness, respect, acceptance, non-judgment and sensitivity.

About you:

They’re looking for a candidate with the following skills and experience;

• Previous experience working in the mental health field, with experience of supporting people to be in control of their lives either in a paid or voluntary capacity.

• Knowledge and understanding of the social determinants that can lead to poor mental health. 

• A good working knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding legislation.

• Extensive knowledge of the local community you are working within. 

• Excellent communication and team working skills and the ability to effectively utilise the technology available. 

• Good knowledge of both Microsoft Word and Outlook. 

• The ability to work flexibly including evenings and weekend shift patterns.

Rewards:

Benefits include an attractive defined contribution pension scheme, Paycare which offers employees affordable cover for a range of healthcare treatments, an Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling and a comprehensive training programme. 

Their people are key to the success of the organisation and we are recognised as both a Mindful Employer as well as achieving Gold standard success in Investors in People. They welcome applications from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

The closing date for applications is Monday 17 January 2022

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 January 2022

Do you have in‐depth knowledge of anxiety and depression and how it can present in primary care? Would you like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with? Then join Richmond Fellowship as an IAPT Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone.

Right now, one of our divisions, My Time, is looking for a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to join their Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service which we provide in partnership with the Living Well Consortium. Our incredible team provide short term brief interventions to help individuals manage their mental health productively and learn new techniques and coping mechanisms that can be implemented in day to day living environments.

If you join our team you will be required to provide high volume, low intensity interventions in the form of CBT based self‐management to clients with mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. That means conducting interviews, making assessments of risk and providing assisted self‐help and a range of information face‐to‐face, by telephone or in writing, and keeping accurate records in line with service protocols.  This may include educating and involving family members and/or others in treatment as necessary. Along the way, you’ll regularly liaise with other agencies and work with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, using interpreters where necessary.

As well as a qualification gained on a PWP training course (or equivalent), you will need to have an inclusive and enabling personality, lots of enthusiasm and a calm demeanour, even under pressure. You’re also adept at building good therapeutic relationships with clients of all ages and from a range of cultures. It is essential that you have a high standard of communication, both verbal and written, over the phone and face‐to‐face, as is computer literacy. We are looking for an excellent team working and relationship builder who respects each individual’s rights of autonomy and confidentiality, the ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively will be key to your success.

The salary for this post is £27,500 with progression to 29,000 per annum.

This is a full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37.5 hours per week.

Recovery Focus is committed to working towards equal opportunities and we select staff solely on merit irrespective of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, social class, religious belief, disability or history of mental health or addiction problems. If you need support to apply for the role or adaptions at interview please contact the recruitment team to discuss.

This is a rolling recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

So, are you ready to take on this rewarding role that comes with some really great benefits: 25 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme, employee assistance programme and childcare vouchers, plus exceptional professional development and training opportunities, as well as clinical supervision!  

£19847 - £23,350 p/a -  Successful candidates should expect to be appointed at the starting point of the salary scale. A higher salary will only be considered for exceptional candidates with strong evidence of relevant experience.

Full-time (35 hrs p/w), fixed-term contract until 31 March 2023

Coventry

Ref: ECM-211

Are you a driven and compassionate individual with excellent people skills? Do you have the skills and commitment to undertake a role that’s diverse and fast-paced? 

If so, St Giles is looking for an Employment Caseworker to work on a vital skills and employment project aimed at engaging, motivating and supporting young people to achieve engagement in sustainable education, training, employment and a positive lifestyle, as well as improvement in their mental health, wellbeing and relationships.

About St Giles

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others. 

About this exciting opportunity

Our successful candidate will be working in partnership with DWP to deliver a skills and employment mentoring-led service for NEET young people (18–30-year-olds) who are involved in youth violence, gangs and criminal activity. Our service will be to take a strengths-based approach, developing a support/training plan to help the young person to identify their skills and the areas they would like to develop.  A central focus will be to support young people to engage with DWP initiatives/courses and to understand the benefits and support available to them.

You will be responsible for providing one to one customised support that will enable young people to overcome their employment and wider barriers and make progress with their personal goals and ambitions. 

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients.

What we are looking for:

•  Substantial experience and strong track record in successfully supporting young people into sustainable employment.

•  Experience with managing a caseload and achieving individual set targets for engagement, training and employment outcomes and supporting colleagues to achieve overall project targets.

•  Knowledge of and commitment to safeguarding practices and policies, and ability to promote safeguarding among vulnerable young people and colleagues, alongside carrying out comprehensive risk assessments.

•  Knowledge of current legislation that allows target group to access education routes, apprenticeships and support pathways.

•  You will be an excellent communicator with impressive interpersonal skills

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working,
a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, access to clinical supervisions, season ticket loan
and much more.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Closing date: 11pm Sunday 23 January 2022. Interviews: Tuesday 1 February 2022.

For further information, or to apply, please visit our website via the ‘Apply’ button.