Mental health advocate jobs

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests, and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) in West Sussex. The role will be based at Langley Green Hospital in Crawley, with regular travel to other sites in West Sussex, including weekly visits to Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing and occasional visits to the Brighton office for meetings and training.

This role involves providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy, working within the framework of the Mental Health Act 1983 to support people to understand their rights under the Act and participate in decisions about their care and treatment across the area of West Sussex. The post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

Full job details and an application pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 29th July 2025.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 5th August at 51 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ. Alternative interview dates can be arranged if required. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Are you passionate about promoting empowerment and self-determination?

Can you uphold equal opportunities, equality and diversity?

Do you have experience with supporting people to access their rights?

About Us

Advocacy Support Cymru (ASC) is a registered charity with offices in Cardiff and Swansea. We provide Independent Mental Health and Mental Capacity Advocacy Services across most of South Wales, employing 55 employees.

About you

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

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

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE VACANCY (CARDIFF & VALE BASED)

To provide a Community Advocacy service to people in the area who are receiving services from Community Mental Health Teams, Tier 2 services or above, or who qualify for a fast track assessment under Part 3 of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010.

The salary band for the role is £22,684 to £24,195 based on a 35 hour week. This is a permanent full time role at 35 hours per week.

Essential Information

All successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check.

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

Closing Date: – 5pm, 28th July 2025.

Only successful candidates will be contacted for interview.  Interviews will be conducted in English.

Application packs can be downloaded from our website.

No Agencies Please.

Mind in Brighton and Hove empowers and supports people who have experience of mental health issues in Brighton and Hove and West Sussex. Our Advocacy Services take action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests, and obtain services they need.

We are seeking to appoint an advocate who will be covering Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and Community Mental Health Advocacy in Brighton and Hove 4 days per week. The role will provide Independent Mental Health Advocacy at Mill View hospital in Hove 2 days per week and Community Mental Health Advocacy the other 2 days of the week. This will involve attending client appointments in the community and at our central Brighton office.

This split role involves providing Independent Mental Health Advocacy, working within the framework of the Mental Health Act 1983, to support people to understand their rights under the Act and participate in decisions about their care and treatment across Brighton and Hove.

The Community Advocacy part of the role has responsibility for the provision of independent, professional mental health advocacy within the community. This post requires an understanding of advocacy, experience of managing a client case load, excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of professionals, whilst retaining independence.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including full induction, nationally accredited advocacy qualification and 29 days’ leave (pro rata) per year excluding bank holidays, 3% pension contribution and access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.

Full job details and an application pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: 9am on Tuesday 29th July 2025.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 5th August at 51 New England St, Brighton BN1 4GQ. Alternative interview dates can be arranged if required. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and we value diversity in our workforce and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from everyone irrespective of age, disability (including experience of living with mental health issues), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

All successful applicants are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role

Deadline: Monday 21st July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 12 months,

with possibility of extension subject to funding

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

Location: 3 days in Sunderland and 2 days in Newcastle upon Tyne

As an Outreach Advocate within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children experiencing gender based domestic abuse.  The primary responsibility of all advocates within The Angelou is to provide women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs.

All advocates are required to spent at least 30% of your time on outreach work to engage with communities outside of The Angelou Centre. However, as our new Outreach Advocate you will spend 3 days with Wearside Women in Need (WWIN) based in Sunderland and 2 days working within our office in Newcastle. This is a new partnership work to ensure that we continue to provide specialist Black and racialised support across the North East. You will work in Sunderland and Newcastle to provide tailored support, advice and advocacy, raising awareness of domestic abuse through outreach activities ensuring our services are accessible to women of the Black and racialised community.

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

 Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Support improved mental wellbeing and resilience, measured using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale and the Chaos Index for those with complex needs.
• To be aware of external service processes to safeguard individuals who are exposed to sexual exploitation.

Outreach Support

• To attend external team meetings and presentations in relevant forums and partnerships
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key organisations and their staff to support women to gain access to the services they require.

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.

Outreach Advocacy Specific

• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of domestic abuse, immigration abuse and gender-based violence, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences
• Raise awareness on domestic abuse education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to those with protected characteristics and/or facing multiple disadvantages.
• Help improve local services understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse for women and girls from the Black and racialised communities and the long-term impact.

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
•  Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of domestic abuse and of UK policies and legislation around domestic abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

Mental Health Recovery Worker
Post no: 643
Salary: Actual salary: £7,975.08 (F.T.E £24,088.00)
Hours: 2x 6-hour shifts per week. 12.25 hours in total (Additional 1 hour for Reflective Practise)
Working Days: Fixed Wednesdays and Saturdays. 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Luton

About Us:

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. 

About the Role

Our Recovery Lounges offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental environment outside of normal working hours for those who feel in mental distress or crisis. The role will involve assessing needs and offering one to one support to service users to enable them to begin the process of improving their mental health and wellbeing and to providing clarity on services and pathways available in the area. The role will be part of a larger Recovery Lounge team made up of Mental Health Recovery Workers, Peer Support Workers and volunteers.

Job Purpose

To support individuals to deescalate mental health crisis and improve mental health and wellbeing of patients in hospital. Promote Mind BLMK services through focussed 1:1s and structured crisis interventions.

Entitlements/benefits: 

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata) 
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%) 
• Optional Health Plan 
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role. 
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working) 

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you. 

Closedown: 5pm 29th July 2025

Interview dates: Group Interviews 4th August. Solo Interviews 5th August

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Together and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Job title: Hospital Mental Health Outreach Worker (Bounce Back)
Reference Number: 294 
Reports to: Team Lead
Contract: One year 
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time, Monday – Friday)
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum depending on skills and experience inclusive of Outer London Weighting (OLW)
Based: Letchworth Wellbeing Centre/Lister Hospital

About the Project

Herts Mind Network (HMN) has formed a partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) to deliver a one-to-one outreach service for people who are in hospitals across Hertfordshire.

About the Role:

• To receive referrals from the staff at Lister Hospital.
• To manage and prioritise all administration tasks associated with the service.
• To build strong relationships with staff at Lister Hospital and Mental Health Teams across Hertfordshire.
• To work in partnership with other agencies.
• To establish a strong presence on the ward, working at the hospital when required.
• Ensure a direct community service is in place which encourages, motivates and builds patients self-esteem and confidence. This will include goal setting and support with social and practical skills development.
• To assist patients to access appropriate services and community resources within the local community, accompanying patients to attend appointments where this aids ongoing recovery.
• To work with key staff within the hospital to ensure that vulnerable person’s cases are monitored and risks evaluated.
• To work with HMN staff in other services in order to make onward referrals to other projects.
• Liaise with appropriate HPFT staff to ensure that individuals are assessed for personal budgets to support with any longer term needs.
• Support individuals to develop sustainable local social networks, both through our HMN Wellbeing Centres and other community services and resources.
• Potential annual leave cover for STaR Worker role

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cash plan health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
• Eligibility for blue light card.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 11th August at 5pm.
Interviews to be held on Thursday 14th August at our Letchworth Wellbeing Centre

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

Equal Opportunities 
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

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 have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Bradford.  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, a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

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 you

Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, 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) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service

· 5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution

· Salary sacrifices pension scheme

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

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

· 24/7 Employee Assistance programme

· Access to remote counselling service

· Paid Disability Leave

· Paid compassionate Leave

· Home Working Allowance 

Support with continuous professional development

 Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development 

Personal Development Plans

 How are staff supported to work remotely?

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

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

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

Equality and Diversity

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

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

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account on our website and follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midday 23 July 2025

Interviews w/c 28 July

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.

We look forward to hearing from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved working directly with service users who present at A&E requiring urgent mental health support. You will work collaboratively with the mental health liaison team and A&E team to deliver one-to-one support using a social approach.

Crisis Recovery Worker - Mental Health Liaison Team
Post no: 641
Salary: £11,881.24 per annum (F.T.E. £24,088)
Hours: 18.25 hours per week. 3 days worked flexibly across Monday - Sunday
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Milton Keynes Hospital

About Us:

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. 

About the Role

You will work alongside the Mental Health Liaison Team at Milton Keynes University Hospital to support individuals presenting on hospital wards with a mental health crisis in the evenings/weekends and deliver one-to-one crisis focused support.

Job Purpose

To support individuals to deescalate mental health crisis and improve mental health and wellbeing of patients in hospital. Promote Mind BLMK services through focussed 1:1s and structured crisis interventions.

Entitlements/benefits: 

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata) 
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%) 
• Optional Health Plan 
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role. 
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working) 

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you. 

Closedown: 5pm 29th July 2025
Interview date: TBC

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out 'more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008. 

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

No agencies please. 

Mind in Enfield and Barnet is a fast-growing charity in North London providing much needed therapy, wellbeing support and advocacy services to people with mental health problems. 

The Advocacy, Advice and Information department works to empower people and communities, and challenge stigma and disadvantage caused by Mental Health problems. We champion individual’s voices, uphold their rights, and promote personal autonomy through the provision of high quality information, advice, and advocacy support.

The purpose of this role is to provide professional advocacy to all eligible patients. To ensure that patients voices are heard and respected, rights upheld, and to facilitate positive engagement with ward staff, professionals involved in their care, treatment planning processes, and relevant meetings. This may be facilitated through attendance at patient’s forums, ward meetings, working with patients on a one to one basis providing information, representation and support to develop self-advocacy skills; and developing new forums and forms of support.

Duties will include providing professional advocacy to all patients, informing them of their rights and supporting them with any issues that are impacting them during their hospital admission. Ensuring that advocacy is available for all patients, that appropriate methods of communication are available in order to meet the needs of all patients, and to be able to adapt to changing ward based or external changes.

This role is providing specialist advocacy for 12 Forensic Wards at Chase Farm Hospital and in community locations.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in an Advocacy Role.

Full job description attached.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your reason for applying and how your past work experiences make you suitability for the role 

Deadline: Monday 21st July

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time if we receive a high volume of applications or if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we suggest submitting your application as soon as you can.

 This post is:

• subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
• subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and barring Service for details of any previous criminal convictions.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
• Open to women* only (*exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1

The Angelou Centre is aware that women and people of the global majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and requirement. So, if you are excited by the role, but your past experience doesn’t quite match every requirement we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the person we are looking for.

Role Overview

Contract: Full-time fixed term for 12 months,

with possibility of extension subject to funding

Salary: £23,387 to £27,445.60 (per hour £12.85 to £15.08)

Depending on experience and qualifications

Hours & Days 35 hours a week

Monday to Fridays 9am to 5pm                            

Additional benefits 25 days paid holiday,

employer’s pension contribution of 6%,

enhanced maternity leave

 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

As an ISVA within The Angelou Centre you will be part of our front-line team providing emotional and trauma informed support to women and children experiencing gender based domestic abuse.  The primary responsibility of all advocates within The Angelou is to provide women and children with continuous one-to-one support, practical advice and advocacy, such as writing referrals for women to access the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Much of this work takes the form of casework, and report writing, as well as ensuring that the women receive comprehensive support that addresses their health, social care, housing, immigration and benefit-related needs. All advocates are required to spent at least 30% of your time will be spent on outreach work to engage with communities that may not have heard of The Angelou Centre.

Specific to the ISVA role, is to provide tailored support, advice and advocacy to women who are or have been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Alongside this you will support The Angelou Centre in raising awareness of sexual education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to women of the Black and racialised community. 

Our ideal candidate is someone who;

• Is confident and pro-active in advocating on behalf of our survivors and able to represent their needs when working with partner agencies
• Is compassionate, non-judgmental and committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse
• Has excellent written skills with some experience of casework within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.
• Has experience of conducting risk and needs assessments within legal, healthcare or an educational setting.

Key Responsibilities

Advice and Advocacy Support

• Provide tailored, one-to-one continuous support, advice, and advocacy to black and minoritised victims and survivors of sexual violence and exploitation
• Provide weekly drop-in opportunities for black and racially minoritized women in the local area
• Support improved mental wellbeing and resilience, measured using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale and the Chaos Index for those with complex needs.
• To be aware of external service processes to safeguard individuals who are exposed to sexual exploitation.

Outreach Support

• To attend external team meetings and presentations in relevant forums and partnerships
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key organisations and their staff to support women to gain access to the services they require.

Casework

• Complete regular risk assessment tools for each case supported and risk management plans, including DASH RIC assessments.
• Complete reports, to assist Line Manager in providing detailed reports to funders
• Maintain in depth and up-to-date knowledge of all practice, procedures and policies.
• To deal with complaints, feedback and suggestions and identifying practical solutions to any barriers.

 ISVA Specific

• To set up and maintain services to women in custody who are experiencing and/or are at risk of Sexual exploitation.
• To develop specialist knowledge in the area of sex work and sexual exploitation, and how this impacts women from Black and racialized minorities differently, through attendance at relevant training, learning events and conferences
• Raise awareness on sexual education through outreach activities, ensuring services are accessible to those with protected characteristics and/or facing multiple disadvantages.
• Help improve local services understanding of the dynamics of sexual exploitation and the long-term impact.
• Support police when undertaking visits to brothels to assist with safeguarding women who are experiencing Sexual exploitation.

In order to deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties however, will fall within the scope of the job at the appropriate grade. This job description will be subjected to review with the post holder, to ensure that it accurately reflects the duties and range of the post. The aim is to improve the quality of service for black and racialized women and all matters relating to their wellbeing.

Person Specification

Experience & Abilities

• Experience of supporting women who have experienced or are at risk of sexual abuse and violence
• Experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, particularly with clients with complex/multiple needs
• Experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders; particularly social care.
• Experience of managing a high caseload
• Strong IT skills with experience around data collection and monitoring
• Excellent written abilities, with some experience within preparing reports for courts, case conference and information for MARAC
• Experience around setting clear professional boundaries with clients and partners
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and with statutory organisations

Knowledge & Qualifications

• An excellent understanding of sexual violence
• An excellent understanding of UK policies and legislation around sexual abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Level 1
• A good understanding of confidentiality and anti-discriminatory practice; safe practice and health and safety procedures

Values & Approach

• Commitment to anti-racist, trauma-informed, and feminist practice.
• Empathy, kindness, and cultural competence, with a commitment to supporting Black and racially minoritised women
• Has a ‘can do’ positive approach with a curious open to learning approach
• Able to work flexibly and respond to crisis situations with a trauma-informed approach
• Able to priorities workload and work independently using your own initiative
• Has a commitment to shared responsibility in a team context approach
• Willingness to undertake training and show a commitment to continuous personal development, reflecting on own practice with a willingness to make changes if needed

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in crisis management
• IDVA and/or ISVA qualification
• An excellent understanding of sexual violence and of UK policies and legislation around sexual abuse
• Good working knowledge of UK adult safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Community Advocate to work with a new partnership of local VCS organisations working together to provide an accessible advocacy service, across the borough of Enfield. The role will suit someone with experience of promoting vulnerable individual voices, and representing their rights through the provision of high quality information, advice, and advocacy support.

Duties will include:

• ·Providing goal focused community advocacy to eligible clients
•  Processing new referrals and queries, ensuring that appropriate referrals and logged and inappropriate signposted to relevant services
• Supporting the triage of referrals across the LEAP partnership, signposting to other providers where appropriate

The successful candidate will have:

• experience of working with people experiencing Mental Health issues
• experience of working in an advocacy role
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• excellent multi-tasking and time management skills
• the ability to produce well -written reports and meet deadlines
• good knowledge of relevant legislation such as Care Act 2014, Mental Health Act 2007, Mental Capacity Act 2005
• knowledge of Benefits, social care, housing, and other relevant areas

The successful candidate should have a minimum 1-2 years of experience working with people with mild, moderate and severe mental health issues. 

Please see the attached job descrition which includes all duties and skills required.

This is a full-time position, 35 hours per week covering the service between 9-5 Monday to Friday. 

The role is based at Enfield Mind office at 275 Fore Street, N9 0PD. You may be asked to work from other locations, as and when required.

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.  

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Living Well and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.  

We are recruiting for a Wellbeing Practitioner to join our specialist Smoking Cessation Service to help people on their journey to reducing and/or quitting smoking. Experience of smoking cessation is desirable, but what's more important is an understanding of social prescribing and a commitment ot empowering inidviduals and communities.

Bluesci is an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people with lived experience and from people from diverse backgrounds.

What We Offer:

· 33 days holiday a year

· A supportive, values-driven team

· Flexible working arrangements

· Ongoing training and development

· Opportunities to shape innovative mental wellbeing support

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.   

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Living Well and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.   

Peer support Workers hold a key position in the Trafford Living Well service, working with individuals and groups, to help people to reach their individual recovery goals.

Peer support workers support individuals to establish greater control over their lives, helping to identify aspects of life that give meaning, hope, value and purpose whilst recognising that everyone’s recovery is a uniquely personal process.

As an integral and valued member of the multi-agency team, the post holder will support team members by role modelling and using lived experience of mental health services to shape the service's quality.

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.  

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Living Well and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.  

We have an exciting opportunity for a Wellbeing Practitioner to help delivery our social prescribing offer from Coppice Library and wellbeing Centre in Sale, Trafford

Bluesci is an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people with lived experience and from people from diverse backgrounds.

What We Offer:

· 33 days holiday a year

· A supportive, values-driven team

· Flexible working arrangements

· Ongoing training and development

· Opportunities to shape innovative mental wellbeing support