Independent Mental Health Advocate Jobs
South West Advocacy Network supports and empowers people to have a voice, by ensuring access to quality, independent advocacy. We believe that everyone has the right to be heard & respected, the right to choice in decisions about themselves and the right to be safe.
To help us with our shortlisting, please send a supporting statement/cover letter with your application telling us why you are right for this role. The successful applicant will work from our Poole or Dorchester office
Service Managers are responsible for their services meeting targets and delivering on contract requirements, including providing the data required for contract and organisational monitoring.
The Service Manager role assumes responsibility for all aspects of SWAN’s Dorset statutory advocacy services. This includes a wide range of advocacy including IMCA, Care Act, IMHA, CHC, Carers and Generic advocacy, and advocacy for parents during child protection proceedings. Our Service Manager is also responsible for the mobilisation and delivery of SWAN’s social value projects in Dorset.
The role requires a positive approach and a high degree of personal responsibility. The Service Manager is responsible for the Dorset team’s performance. Service Managers are experienced and inspirational leaders. They have, or are willing to work towards, a level 5 management qualification.
The post is subject to 2 references including previous employer, evidence of right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS check.
Direct reports:
Team Supervisors & Supervising Advocates
Duties and responsibilities: General
- To work collaboratively with other mangers and assist, when necessary, with providing cover during periods of absence and play an active part in SWAN’s Leadership Team
- Act as the safeguarding lead for the service
- Stay up to date with relevant legislation, changes to practice and wider activities relating to advocacy; to input to policies / procedures (COVID-19, LPS etc).
- Act as a role model for exemplary behaviour, attitude and mindset, embedding a culture of trust and accountability and challenging non-congruency and negativity
- To undertake all training as necessary and stay up to date with Continuing Professional Development
- Support SWAN to ensure that Advocacy Quality Performance Mark practices are business as usual
- Take responsibility for embedding good Health and Safety Practices and adhering to the Health and Safety Policy
Supervision and Development of Direct Reports
- Responsible for the recruitment of their service team
- Responsible for the effective induction of new staff members and support through their induction period
- Undertake regular supervisions and Personal Development Reviews in line with the Company requirements for all direct reports
- Organise and lead regular team meetings, to provide minutes, actions and documentation for each meeting. Team meetings will include professional development and guest speakers
- Deliver training workshops to the team, including lone working, safeguarding refreshers and the Purpose and Principles of Independent Advocacy (Unit 301) in line with Company requirements and maintain records of attendance
- Ensure all team members’ training is up to date and work with the Training Manager to create new opportunities to upskill the workforce
- Undertake all other people management responsibilities for the team in relation to absence and performance management
- Manage disciplinary and grievance issues if and when they arise
Management of Services
- Lead and manage the service in the delivery of outcome focused, issue based, person directed advocacy, in line with the relevant legislation for the advocacy discipline, regulations, codes of practice and internal policy and procedures
- Mobilise and manage local social value projects
- Responsible for the effective triaging of referrals and allocations of casework after considering prioritisation of cases, current caseloads and team members’ skill set
- Provide temporary cover for own team’s case work during periods of absence
- Complete accurate recording and reporting of all service data
- Ensure the timely completion of high quality commissioning report narratives and case studies
- Work proactively with the statutory services to promote the service, problem solve and uphold the agreed engagement protocols
- Communicate and negotiate effectively with a wide range of people, including commissioners, health and social care professionals and voluntary sector staff
- Identify risks in delivering the service and ensure compliance with risk management procedures
- Ensure the effective management of de-escalating client issues and handling of complaints
- Attend stakeholder meetings, forums and networks
- Ensure that good relationships are developed and maintained with other service providers
- Raise the profile of SWAN in the local area by any means identified as necessary
Qualifications Required:
- Diploma in Independent Advocacy Qualification (City & Guilds level 3 or 4) or willing to work towards.
- Level 5 Management qualification, or willing to work towards
Experience and Knowledge Needed
Experience and knowledge crucial for the role:
- A record of delivering advocacy or health and social care services
- Experience of managing people and resources;
- Knowledge of contracted services in the voluntary sector
- Understanding of the principles and role of advocacy
Other:
The post is subject to 2 references including one previous employer, evidence of right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS check.
If you would like to join us, SWAN will offer you;
- A supportive working environment
- Flexible working to fit around your personal circumstances
- Regular person-centred Supervision
- Training and development opportunities
- Minimum 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 6% Employer pension and 2% employee contribution
- Employee Assistance Scheme, offering a free and confidential helpline for you
- A Wellbeing Day – a paid day from work to allow you time to focus on your own wellbeing
- A day off on your Birthday
- In-house Mental Health First Aider
- Access to an Employee Reward Scheme offering online and instore discounts at a wide range of high street retailers,
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are core to our values. In the selection of our staff, we are committed to equality with regards to protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex. and sexual orientation. We welcome applications from disabled people. The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst employees, suppliers and customers.
South West Advocacy Network supports and empowers people to have a voice, by ensuring access to quality, independent advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Independent Mental Health Advocate
Service: Coram Voice
Contract Type: Permanent – Part Time
Hours: 18 hours per week
Salary: £11,755.54 - £13,351.88 per annum (FTE £22,858 - £25,962) Subject to (IAQ or IAP IMHA qualification)
Location: North East (Homebased with travel to Morpeth and Prudhoe in Northumberland)
Our work
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.
Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold systems to account, to challenge and support them to do their jobs properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in a variety of situations. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
About the Role
We are looking for an Advocate to join our team in the North East. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn, a desire to promote the rights of children and young people and
- already have an IAP City and Guilds Level 3 or IAQ City or Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy, who have completed the specialist unit in Independent Mental Health Advocacy, or
- a wiliness to undertake the IAQ City or Guilds Level 4 in Advocacy.
You will work to empower and support children and young people to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people with a mental health needs.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
What you will receive
We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.
You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.
Recruitment process
Our Children’s Rights Managers will undertake Shortlisting. Successful candidates will be invited for interview.The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview.Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.
Returning your application:
- We cannot accept general CVs.
- When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
- Applications must be fully completed.
- If you are a current Coram Voice employee you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: Friday 17th May 2024 at 12pm
Interview date: Friday 24th May 2024
General consideration for applications:
- DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
- Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
- Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Advocate to join our team in Warwickshire and Coventry. 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. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Warwickshire and Coventry. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.
You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.
How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.
You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.
You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.
Professional Development?
You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part time employees
- 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Separate Life Assurance Cover
- Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
- Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
- Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
- Support with continuous professional development
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 HR for further options.
How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; midnight on 2nd June 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.
Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.
We look forward to hearing from you.
NB:
If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete this within 12 months of commencing the training. VoiceAbility will fund this training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Advocate to join our team in Warwickshire and Coventry on a fixed term contract until March 2025. 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. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Warwickshire and Coventry. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.
You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.
How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.
You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.
You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.
Professional Development?
You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part time employees
- 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Separate Life Assurance Cover
- Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
- Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
- Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
- Support with continuous professional development
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 HR for further options.
How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; midnight on 2nd June, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.
Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.
We look forward to hearing from you.
NB:
If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete this within 12 months of commencing the training. VoiceAbility will fund this training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Mental Health IDVA will be employed by FearFree to develop pathways and processes for the Mental Health IDVA working in tandem with staff from Devon Partnership Trust to identify both patients and staff who are currently experiencing Domestic Abuse.
The Mental Health IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service embedded within DPT to ensure all staff are aware of Domestic Abuse, and equipped to ask the right questions and encourage both patients and staff to engage with the support the Mental Health IDVA will bring to this environment.
The post holder will assist health practitioners to respond more effectively to domestic abuse, particularly those with complex and multiple needs, and will bring specialist knowledge and skills in empowering clients to seek the right support, and move forward.
The work will include providing specialist knowledge and expertise to other health care practitioners to ensure victims of domestic abuse (and their children) are safeguarded from further harm, to provide a strong partnership approach to service provision.
Priority will be given to medium and high risk cases that are employees and patients of DPT – those who do not live in Exeter/Mid Devon area to be sign-posted to specialist support within FearFree Devon, or referred to partner NDADA if living in North Devon. To work with all victims of abuse (male or female) who are currently registered with formal DPT support.
Key elements of the role include:
· Providing priority support to both patients and staff at the hospital.
· Delivering Domestic Abuse training to all staff at the hospital equipping them to recognise all forms of Domestic Abuse and ensuring they are confident in starting those conversations, and seeking additional support from the Mental Health IDVA.
· Risk assessing and helping to keep service users safe through safety planning.
· Enabling victims to access and engage with statutory and other services.
· Engaging with and supporting the MARAC process, to ensure that the voice of victims is heard.
· Managing a caseload of medium to high-risk victims and working proactively to support them and their families.
· Develop and maintain working relationships with additional services relevant to this field.
· Ensure services and resources are appropriate and tailored to services users needs.
· Support the relationship build between client and statutory services.
Key Responsibilities:
· Hold a caseload and provide high-quality telephone and face to face crisis intervention, information, advocacy and support to both staff and patients at the hospital who have been identified as victims of Domestic Abuse.
· Proactively assess the needs and risks of clients regularly in line with FearFree policies and procedures, having full regard for case management, MARAC and safeguarding adults and children policies and procedures.
· Complete risk and safety plans for all clients, ensuring risk management and safety is at the heart of everything we do in line with company standards.
· Ensure all records comply with compliance and quality standards and information is recorded accurately and in a timely manner
· Engage with all relevant support agencies, acting as the “voice” of both staff and patient victims to seek support to address specific identified barriers.
· Support all caseload to access external support and sign-post where appropriate to enable caseload to engage with other organisations who can support them on their road to recovery.
· Work proactively to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and upskill all staff within the hospital to be able to identify potential Domestic Abuse, and seek support from the Mental Health IDVA.
· Attend regular safeguarding and domestic abuse meetings within DPT and health related settings to discuss active cases as required by the manager.
· Proactively assess the needs and safety of any children of the client and ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed directly with them, having full regard to Safeguarding Children’s policy and complying with the Local Safeguarding Children requirements.
· Advise clients of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals, attending appointments with them when required, co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocating to ensure barriers to accessing support and protection are reduced.
· Proactively look for and implement innovative and creative ways of engaging vulnerable and hard to reach victims, particularly those with multiple needs, and sustain the engagement.
· Participate in multi-agency conferences and meetings in respect of children and adults at risk as required, providing reports and undertaking actions as necessary.
· Work in partnership with key agencies, particularly with external support agencies, to ensure effective joint working.
· At all times protect the safety and security of service users, staff, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information in line with data protection requirements.
· To be flexible with meeting clients which may involve working outside of normal working hours.
· Produce data, reports, evaluations and undertake research, as requested and directed by the Manager.
General
· Remain up to date and concordant with organisational procedures, policies and professional code of conduct, upholding standards of best practice.
· Attend and contribute to team meetings.
· Contribute to effective team working with a flexible and pro-active approach, including cover for other team members’ holidays and sickness where required.
· Undertake agreed training and keep updated on changes in legislation, policy, and best practice.
· To support additional duties at your team managers discretion.
For a full job description/person specification and to apply, please follow the link provided on this website. The closing date for this role is 14th June, with interviews currently planned to take place the following week.
FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Advocate to join our team in Bedfordshire. 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. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a part time Advocate to join our team covering Bedfordshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.
You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.
How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.
You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.
You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support. You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them. You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.
Professional Development?
You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part time colleagues
- 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Separate Life Assurance Cover
- Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
- Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
- Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
- Support with continuous professional development
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 HR for further options.
How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.
Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; 5pm on 27/05/2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.
Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.
We look forward to hearing from you.
NB:
If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training. VoiceAbility will fund this training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Single Discipline IMHA Advocate to work as part of our Langdon Advocacy Team!
Please note, if this is something that interests you, but you aren’t a qualified Advocate, we do also have a trainee role available!
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
Langdon hospital in Dawlish is the base for Devon Partnership Trust’s Inpatient Secure Mental Health Services. Advocacy has an office on site and advocates travel between the office and two on site inpatient units:
Dewans Centre (4 medium secure wards)
Chichester House (low secure ward)
The hospital supports men from South-West England who, because of their mental health needs, have had contact with the legal system and require a safe and secure environment where they can receive treatments, therapies, and care to help them recover. Sometimes people are accepted without criminal charges pending, where there is evidence of significant risk to others in the context of mental disorder.
How you will make a difference
The role focusses on a single remit of advocacy service delivery, IMHA. At times, it may be necessary for you to carry out cases for the people you are supporting from additional remits, for example to complete a qualification portfolio or because it best suits the needs of the person to have the same advocate. However, most of your caseload will be working within your single remit, at times working collaboratively with other advocates. You will manage your own caseload, using a person-led, issue-based advocacy approach, closing cases efficiently when the work has concluded and identifying when the person you are supporting has additional advocacy needs, ensuring an appropriate referral is raised, signposting is considered, and any unmet needs are recorded.
*Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.
*London Allowance is paid for roles that are based within the Greater London area only.
We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please see further details on our website
You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!
Don’t meet all requirements?
If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!
Caring for our people.
We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:
- PULSE: our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wage stream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips, and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us, and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society, and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we can draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive, and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: Community ConneX is a campaigning organisation and a multi-project service provider working across West London, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire. We support autistic people, people with a disability, and people and families experiencing barriers to live healthier, happier, and inclusive lives. We do this by ensuring their needs, rights and aspirations are met.
Advocacy 1st is a free, independent service provided by advocates who specialise in the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid based in Oxfordshire
Key duties:
· Provide independent representation of young people’s wishes and views and ensure their voices are heard when key decisions are being made
· Empower children and young people to make effective use of local authority policies or complaints procedures
· Complete advocacy plans and work according to the agreed outcomes
· Take responsibility for individual caseloads, ensuring that visits and case recording is completed
· Contribute to and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders and professionals
Our ideal candidate:
· Holds a relevant advocacy qualification or intends to work towards this
· Has experience of working with children and young people
· Can travel independently to meet client
· Is aware of legislation such as Care Act 2014, Children and Families Act 2014, Children Act 1989, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
· Is experienced in delivering direct work to children, young people and vulnerable adults in a relevant setting.
· Can communicate effectively
In return we offer a range of benefits including:
· Pension contribution up to 5%
· Death in service insurance
· Employee assistance programme
· Bluelight Card
· Cycle to work scheme
· 23 days of annual leave + bank holidays (increases after 2 years of service)
· Gym membership
· Healthcash plan
· Professional development
We are committed to safeguarding and equal opportunities, and we guarantee an interview to all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
We also want to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable facilities to participate in job applications or interviews to perform essential job functions. To support this, we are a Disability Confident committed employer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Culturally Responsive Independent Sexual Violence Advocate
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is looking for an individual who has experience of the sexual violence sector or an aligned field and a knowledge and understanding of sexual violence and its impacts.
You will be part of a supportive team that brings together all the skills that WMRSASC has to support survivors of sexual violence
- The Culturally Responsive Independent Sexual Violence Advocate will have a caseload, which will include supporting survivors from Minority Ethnic communities.
- This post aims to identify clients from Minority Ethnic communities who do not access the Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy service, identify barriers to them seeking support, and find innovative ways to overcome those barriers, so that they feel able to access the service if they wish.
- The role will aim to promote self-referrals and to reach out to Minority Ethnic communities. Making sure that the role meets the diverse needs of the communities.
- The role will raise the profile of and promote the Specialist Minority Ethnic Service across statutory and voluntary agencies, and establish positive, proactive, and innovative working relationships with partner agencies to create straightforward referral pathways for clients from Minority Ethnic communities.
Please see Job Descriptions for full details.
The voice of survivors and their experiences will be central to the development of this work and whilst you will never be asked to disclose any personal experiences as part of the application process, we encourage survivors and those with lived experiences to consider these roles.
Please note your response needs to match the individual job you are applying for so please ensure you review the Job Description and ensure your response covers all aspects (qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience)
Closing date for applications 27.05.2024
We reserve the right to close applications prior to the closing date should we receive enough applicants that meet the shortlisting criteria.
Location: Based in Worcestershire and Herefordshire (must be able to travel throughout West Mercia)
Contract type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37.5
Salary: £29,439
REF-213 748
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Mental Health Matters Wales is one of Wales’s leading mental health charities. We are an ever-growing charity with big ambitions. We need a wide, diverse and range of experience and skills in our team. Our team members are our number one resource. We do our upmost to ensure individuals feel respected, valued, and cared for, by enabling career success through the provision of unique opportunities to thrive and foster an inclusive workforce which embraces our shared set of core values based on character, relationships, and giving back to the communities where we work.
If this sounds like an organisation you would like to join and become part of a dynamic staff team to lead the way in supporting the improvement of social, emotional and physical wellbeing needs of the population across communities in Wales, then Mental Health Matters Wales is the organisation for you!
The PPASS service aims to improve and enhance the West Glamorgan regional advocacy network by creating a new form of peer advocacy and peer support for parents who are going through the child protection process, statutory assessment and/or the looked after children system within the Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea area.
Main duties
⦁ To provide an advocacy service for parents who are going through the child protection process, statutory assessment and/or the looked after children system
⦁ Provide advocacy support, to clients which may include accompanying clients to meetings, or support in writing letter to represent and/or negotiate on their behalf as requested.
⦁ To work in such a way as to encourage clients to self-advocate as much as possible via training/coaching/rehearsing
⦁ To provide clear information to enable clients to understand their rights and to make informed choices on options available to them
⦁ Undertaking promotional activities across West Glamorgan to promote the service in line with an agreed promotional plan.
⦁ Attending various meetings as requested by the council which may relate to promoting, reviewing and evaluating the service.
⦁ To make and maintain secure, accurate and confidential case records
⦁ To maintain contacts in the community
⦁ Work alongside the peer support workers to provide a wrap-around service for the clients.
In conjunction with the manager actively develop and maintain links with other advocacy groups within Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea.
For more information, please visit our section on our website to download a recuriment pack
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Children and Young Person’s Independent Sexual violence Advocate
Do you want a rewarding and influential role where your success directly contributes to the protection and growth of support services for sexually abused children and adults?
This is an amazing opportunity to join the organisation at an exciting time to ensure it can maintain a recent period of growth and continue to support survivors through specialist services.
Stand with survivors and challenge victim-blaming attitudes.
Position: Children and Young Person’s Independent Sexual violence Advocate (ISVA)
Location: Birmingham/hybrid
Hours: Full and part-time opportunities available. 19 or 30 hours per week, with 1 home working day or 38 hours per week with 2 home working days.
Salary: Untrained ISVA: £29,777 pro rata, accredited ISVA: £31,365 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 31st May, 6pm. However, shortlisting will be taking place on a rolling basis so we advise applying as early as possible.
The Role
You will provide support as an ISVA for children and young people (CYP). You will offer compassionate, confidential, support to CYP of all genders, who have been subjected to sexual violence and abuse. Some of the work will be providing specialised wrap around support to children and their families where the child has been, or is currently being sexually exploited (CSE support). You will provide information about reporting processes; support CYP who have reported to the police; provide emotional support to CYP when they give their evidence in court and provide information about other options, such as civil action and Criminal Injuries Compensation.
An approved and accredited ISVA qualification is preferable for this post, and will start at the accredited salary rate. However, candidates who demonstrate and live the organisations values (bold-believing-big hearted), and have a willingness to work towards ISVA accreditation will also be considered.
About You
Ideally, you will have previous or current experience within a specialist rape and sexual abuse organisation, supporting children and young people’s (CYP) victims/survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
You will also have experience of:
- Supporting 13-16 year olds, a group at high risk of sexual violence, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual coercion.
- The impacts of sexual violence and abuse
- Working pro-actively, and advocating for adult survivor voices and needs
- Working with a range of agencies
- Child safeguarding issues, child sexual exploitation (CSE), legislation and best practice
- Understanding of the need and ability to maintain professional notes and records of their interactions and interventions with clients
DON'T FORGET that where you are asked for details of relevant experience, it doesn't just mean paid work. You can back up your statements with examples of what you have done in the past either at home, school or college, in paid work or unpaid work, or as a hobby.
About the Organisation
Join an award winning, long established and well-respected specialist charity supporting children and adults of all genders following rape, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. A vibrant, growing organisation that believes survivors. If you are big hearted, can the empathy that survivors deserve and need… then we would love to hear from you!
Benefits include:
- Wellbeing support and resources
- Training opportunities and access to specialist resources
- Pension
- Mileage allowance
- Hybrid working
- Time off in lieu (TOIL)
- Awards and recognition
- 35 days annual leave, with it increasing with length of service: after 5 years’ service, it increases from 35 days to 36 days.
The charity is committed to equality and valuing diversity. This includes a commitment within the recruitment and selection processes, applications are welcome from across the community, especially applicants with a protected characteristic to join a bold, believing and big-hearted team.
We also welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of sexual trauma who also meet the person specification, so everyone can work together, engage and amplify survivors’ voices throughout all the work.
You may also have experience in areas such as ISVA, Case Worker, Social Worker, Abuse, Social Welfare, Community Case Worker, Child Case Worker, Victim Support, Advocate, Children and Young Person’s Independent Sexual violence Advocate, IDVA, MARAC, Domestic Abuse.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
About Women in Prison
Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
Job Description:
Duties and Key Responsibilities:
- Client Care: provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and emotional and practical support to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system
- Monitoring and Evaluation: accurately document all client interaction on Women in Prison’s case management database, working in line with Women in Prison’s case management policy at all times
- Communication: develop and utilise a variety of strategies to communicate effectively with women using our services, colleagues, external organisations, stakeholders and the general public
Job Title: Visiting Advocate
Service: Coram Voice
Contract Type: Part Time, permanent
Hours: 4.5 hours per week
Salary: £2,938.96 per annum (FTE £22,858.55)
Location: Home based with travel to a residential home near Ludlow
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people and empower them to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society, which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.
Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with mental health needs. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
About the Role
You will work directly with children and young people with learning disabilities who are living in a residential home near Ludlow, providing them with advocacy support on a fortnightly basis. You will have experience and a passion for working with children and/or adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives and keep in regularly contact with children and young people to ensure their best interests are safeguarded.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
What you will receive
We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.
You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.
Recruitment process
Shortlisting will be undertaken by our Children’s Rights Managers. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.
To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.
- We cannot accept CVs.
- When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
- Applications must be fully completed.
- If you are a current Coram Voice employee, you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: Sunday 26th May 2024 at 23:59
Interview date: TBC
General consideration for applications:
- DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
- Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
- Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Visiting Advocate
Service: Coram Voice
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 12 hours per week
Salary: £7,837.22 per annum (£22,858.55 FTE)
Location: Home based with travel to a residential home and school, both near Telford
About Coram:
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
About Coram Voice:
Coram Voice exists to enable and equip children and young people to hold the system to account, to challenge and support it to do its job properly and to uphold the rights of children and young people and empower them to actively participate in shaping their own lives.
Coram Voice strives for a society, which recognises, and willingly accepts, its responsibilities to children and young people, where the inequalities and discrimination they currently face have been eradicated. Where those children and young people are fully engaged in all decisions that are made about their lives. Where the views, needs and feelings that they express are at the core of those decisions.
Coram Voice is a national independent children’s charity established in 1975 and has grown to become one of the leading organisations for children and young people in the UK.
Coram Voice is a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children. We get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them and work to improve the lives of children in care, care leavers and others who depend upon the help of the state.
Our Advocacy services we provide advocacy direct to children and young people in care, in need, in custody and to care leavers and children and young people with mental health needs. Advocates around the country support children and young people to get their voice heard in decisions about their lives. This may be through the telephone helpline or through an advocate working directly with a child, for instance, to support them at a review meeting or to help them make a complaint about their care. Coram Voice provides visiting advocacy services to most of the secure units nationally, to Secure Training Centres, Juvenile Young Offender Institutions, psychiatric hospitals, residential special schools and children’s homes.
About the Role
You will work directly with children and young people with learning disabilities who are living in a residential home and attending a specialist school, both near Telford, providing them with advocacy support on a fortnightly basis. You will have experience and a passion for working with children and/or adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
You will empower and support them to ensure their voices are heard within decision–making processes that effect their lives and keep in regularly contact with children and young people to ensure their best interests are safeguarded.
You will be a capable ambassador for Coram Voice with the ability to engage effectively with professionals, carers, other stakeholders and most importantly children and young people.
If you have the necessary experience and skills and a commitment to promoting the rights of young people, we would like to hear from you.
What you will receive
We wish to reward and recognise the valuable contributions our staff make to the organisation and offer an attractive benefits package to do so. Coram Voice benefits package includes a competitive salary, a matched pension scheme up to 5% of salary, generous leave entitlements of up to 25 days’ annual leave plus an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and New Year. A supportive work environment fostering a good work/home life balance and a suite of family friendly policies, which promote employee wellbeing.
You will get a genuine opportunity to make a difference every day.
Recruitment process
Shortlisting will be undertaken by our Children’s Rights Managers. Successful candidates will then be invited for interview. The interview process comprises of a written exercise and a panel interview. Successful candidates will have a further one to one interview in accordance within Warner recommendations. Internal candidates will need to notify HR of their interest in the post and they will provide further information on the internal application process.
To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.
- We cannot accept CVs.
- When completing your application form, you need to address each point of the person specification and demonstrate how you meet it.
- Applications must be fully completed.
- If you are a current Coram Voice employee, you may submit a supporting statement only addressing the person specification requirements for the post.
Closing date: Sunday 26th May 2024 at 23:59
Interview date: TBC
General consideration for applications:
- DBS checks: all posts are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.
- Training: All successful candidates are required to complete our compulsory training programme which includes training in Advocacy (Being a Voice) Safeguarding and Diversity
- Conflict of interest: the independence of the service is important to Coram Voice. Prospective applicants need to raise any other potential conflicts of interest when initially contacting Coram Voice about this post.
Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.
If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 312278.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for a Senior Multiple Needs Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate
Salary: £30,000-£32,000
Location: Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone & Hammersmith – Advance Head Office
Hours: 35 Hours per week (a late shift once per week till 7pm)
Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months (from start of employment)
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
The Senior Multiple Needs Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will work within a dynamic, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service based at the CGL Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone. The IDVA will provide support in the local community and at the Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone. The successful candidate will be co-located up to 5 days a week at the Women’s Wellness Zone.
The IDVA will be closely working alongside CGL colleagues/team to deliver support to women with a range of complex support needs including substance misuse, mental health, domestic abuse, sex working, trafficking, and offending behaviour. The IDVA will work in collaboration with their team members to holistically support women in the borough of Ealing to achieve sustained recovery, improved health and wellbeing, helping women to manage/mitigate risks, and empowering them to reach their fullest potential in society as well as ensuring the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process.
The Senior Multiple Needs IDVA will assess the needs and risks of survivors, carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support. As well as identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs. They will also proactively advocate and advice women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, encouraging them to engage with other agencies, and help co-ordinate the provision of multi-agency support where necessary.
About You:
To be successful as the Senior Multiple Needs IDVA you will need to have:
Excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, of best practice in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and of the MARAC. As well as understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field.
Bringing your experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, and crisis planning and successfully managing high numbers of referrals and experience of working in a co-located setting with another agency and providing consultations/briefings to professionals to support in upskilling them around Domestic Abuse. The candidate will have experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to work as part of an innovative service, designed to offer multi-disciplinary wrap-around support to women with multiple needs, with the aim of facilitating long-term recovery.
We enthusiastically welcome applications from Substance Misuse Workers/Practitioners, Recovery Workers, Recovery Practitioners, Recovery Coordinators, Drug Workers, Alcohol Workers and Needle Exchange Workers who meet the specified requirements.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
· Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 22 May 2024
· Interviews are taking place on Thursday 30 May 2024
· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.