Mental Health Advocate Jobs

Hillside Clubhouse is recruiting for a mental health employment specialist to join our dynamic Camden team supporting people with mental health conditions to gain and retain employment.  The role is working within the nationally recognised IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model within an NHS secondary care mental health team based in the heart of Camden.

Who we are: 

Hillside Clubhouse is a co-produced mental health employment support charity working across Camden and Islington. We support people with mental health conditions into training, volunteering, and employment opportunities. People can access our services via our Clubhouse, where they can share their skills and expertise with others and support the running of the charity.  Alternatively, they can receive support out in the community from one of our employment specialists based within primary and secondary care.

The Role: 

The role is within our IPS Service and will be based within a Camden NHS secondary care team. As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll play an important role in supporting people with lived mental health experience on their recovery journey by supporting them back into paid employment. This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support, to motivate and provide people with hope, while developing the tools and skills required to recover, ultimately transforming their lives.

A variety of skills are needed in this post including but not limited to -  a strong ability to develop empathy and rapport with clients; a determined approach to seeking out job opportunities; a person centric-approach to working with people; strong communications skills to motivate clients; strong administrative capabilities and an attention to detail engage with prospective employers via business development and face-to-face meetings, and to be able to challenge some perceptions around mental health. 

The postholder will be directly employed by Hillside Clubhouse but work under an Honorary Contract from Camden and Islington Foundation Trust.  They will be managed directly by the IPS Operations Manager but work as team member within the clinical team. The role is dynamic and involves being integrated in a clinical team, working within the community, and we operate a flexible working policy where working from home is also permitted up to two days per week.

Overall aim: 

To enable people with mental health issues to gain and sustain competitive employment by working within the evidence based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Primary Duties: 

• Manage a caseload of up to twenty clients and work within and apply the 8 principles of IPS in all aspects of role. 
• To work with and enable clients to find work using a mix of conventional approaches and employer engagement. 
• To generate ongoing referrals from the clinical team and to manage those effectively. 
• To engage directly and collaboratively with the clinical team while maintaining the existing multi-disciplinary approach to assisting clients seeking work. 
• To report and meet regularly with clinical team service managers and the IPS Operations manager, and to participate in both casework and clinical supervision from IPS Operations and clinical team services managers. 
• To be an active member of both the clinical and Hillside teams 
• To be responsible for own management of administrative duties tied to both Hillside Clubhouse and clinical team and adhering to existing Hillside and NHS protocols. 
• Source job opportunities specific to client needs from a range of sources including those advertised via current and conventional means, as well as through contact with local and Pan London employers. 
• To build up a network of employers to secure available and future vacancies. 
• To maintain existing and seek out new relationships with a range of external agencies of use to the post. 
• To provide ongoing support to both client and employers (where appropriate) when starting work and until such time as the client makes the decision to end the support provided. 
• To work with clients to collaboratively manage job searching activities and engagement with the service. 
• To manage and meet all KPIs, statistics and documentation as required, including but not limited to: referrals, first meetings, job outcomes, job sustainments of 6, 13 and 26 weeks, and work retention. 
• To provide guidance on the impact and/or the potential change to benefits when clients start work. 
• To work and manage time effectively in both community/external settings, and at clinical team. 
•  
• Secondary Duties: 
• To work out of hours as and when required, working in line with Hillside Clubhouse risk management procedures. 
• Undertake training when required and participate in ongoing learning and development. 
• To maintain professional boundaries with all internal and external stake holders including clients, and staff members of both Hillside and the clinical team. 
• To engage and participate in external IPS support services, training, and events. 
• To undertake additional tasks and duties as and when required, and to work outside of normal office hours when necessary. 

As an Annual Health Practitioner, you will provide support to local health services with their SMI (Severe Mental Illness) clinics. You will be key in shaping this role as the service develops as well as providing support to the core Access Community Mental Health team. The Annual Health Check Practitioner will also provide 1:1 support to encourage and enable people to attend their annual health checks.

What You'll Do: -

Collaboration and Efficiency: Work hand-in-hand with existing Mental Health Provision for people and their families, as well as other local agencies/organisations to effectively support people transitioning from services.

Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, becoming key in shaping this role as the service develops as well as providing support to the core Access Community Mental Health team.

Are you looking for a job where you will be supported to gain skills and qualifications?

Searching for a role where your qualities and expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives?

Hoping for a varied, interesting workload as part of a friendly, supportive team?

If so, then read on!

A bit about us

We are an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy, advocacy-related projects and Healthwatch services who make sure people are heard when it matters most.

At The Advocacy People we have a team of amazing and dedicated staff who provide high-quality, confidential, independent advocacy services, supporting clients, often vulnerable and/or excluded, in having a say about issues that are important to them and decisions that are being made about their lives.

For more information about advocacy and what we do, please go to our website where you will also find information about our attractive benefits package on the Jobs Vacancies page.

We are looking to recruit a multi-skilled advocate to join our busy Kent, London & Sussex multi- disciplinary team, starting salary £23,314 per annum + Inner London Weighting £2,400 per annum.

About the role

A mix of home-based work and in varied community settings, and on Teams, you will need to be able to work on your own and link in with support from the wider team. As an advocate, you will support people to explore options, looking at their rights, wishes and feelings and support them to speak to professionals about their choices. There is an element of active participation in the promotion of services via networking and attending promotional events.

What we need from you

We are looking for someone with the creativity and enthusiasm to support people in difficult circumstances, ideally with experience in a health or social care setting and/or working with vulnerable people. Level 3 Advocacy qualification and a working knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and/or Mental Health would be desirable but, we can offer training. We will need you to be able to work from home but also as part of a large team, with the confidence to engage with a variety of audiences. You will need to have skills in communicating with a variety of different people. The people we support at The Advocacy People are often in the process of some difficult decisions and you will need to be supportive and boundaried in your approach.

As this role is home based with regular travel, mainly but not exclusively in the Southwark area, you must have access to both a stable home broadband service and your own transport as well as flexibility with working hours. We also need you to live in the London area.

What happens next

If we sound like an organisation you would like to work for, please go to our website Job Vacancies page for further information, including the Job Description/Person specification, and to start your application, unless already there, in which case, apply today!

All applicants invited to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic where possible) of their right to work in the UK. New employee start dates will only be confirmed once relevant checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, and 2 satisfactory references have been received.

Closing Date:   9am 29th April 2024

Interview Date:    w/c 6th May 32024

Interview venue:  Microsoft Teams

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you looking for a job where you will be supported to gain skills and qualifications?

Searching for a role where your qualities and expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives?

Hoping for a varied, interesting workload as part of a friendly, supportive team?

If so, then read on!

A bit about us

We are an independent, Human Rights based charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy, advocacy-related and Healthwatch services who make sure people are heard when it matters most. 

For more information about advocacy and what we do, please go to our website where you will also find information about our attractive benefits package on the Jobs Vacancies page.

We are looking to recruit a permanent multi skilled advocate to join our busy Cornwall multi- disciplinary team, working up to 37 hours (full time) per week, minimum of 22.5 hours, starting salary £23,314 per annum (pro rata).

About the role

In this exciting role you will primarily be concerned with supporting clients under the Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, NHS Health Complaints, Community and Parents with Children going through the Child Protection process in your locality.

To find out more about the role, please take a look at the Job description attached to the advert on our website.

What we need from you

We are looking for someone with the creativity and enthusiasm to support  people in difficult circumstances, ideally with experience in a health or social care. If you haven’t got advocacy qualifications it’s not a problem, we can offer training. You’ll be mainly working from home but will also need to engage with your colleagues and external people.

Please note, as this role is home based with regular travel, mainly but not exclusively in Mid/East Cornwall, you must have access to both a stable home broadband service and your own transport as well as flexibility with working hours. We also need you to live in Cornwall.

What happens next

If we sound like an organisation you would like to work for, please go to the advert on our Job Vacancies page for further details and to start your application, unless already there, in which case, apply today!

All invited applicants to interview will need to bring evidence (photographic where possible) of their right to work in the UK. New employee start dates will only be confirmed once relevant checks, including enhanced DBS clearance, and 2 satisfactory references have been received. 

Closing Date:        5pm 1st May 2024

Interview Dates:    10th & 13th May 2024

Interview venue:    To be held on Microsoft Teams

We look forward to hearing from you. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Stalking Advocate to join the specialist team in Bedfordshire, working 37.5 hours a week. This role will focus on victims of stalking, that are non domestic abuse related but will work alongside our current Domestic Abuse Stalking Advocate.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the Role:

This role is based in Bedfordshire with consideration given to hybrid working. As an Independent Stalking Advocate you will be:

• providing a high quality support & advocacy service to victims of stalking
• working closely with our current Domestic Abuse Stalking Advocate, providing cover for this role as required
• managing a caseload; identifying and assessing risks and needs, providing a tailored crisis intervention service through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support
• working with other agencies and advocating on behalf of service users in order to help them access services to keep them safe
• working within a multi-agency framework consisting of voluntary and statutory partners to build local partnerships, in order to offer a coordinated response to stalking
• promoting the service and raise awareness of stalking through regular training of local partners.

You will need:

• Experience of working in support and advocacy with victims of stalking would be advantageous
• To be able to prioritise work & deal with competing demands
• Ideally you will hold a ISAC or SafeLives IDVA accreditation, relevant degree, vocational qualification or relevant experience of delivering a service and working with victims of stalking and/or domestic abuse
• A driving license and access to a car, as this role covers the whole of the county

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

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 the East Riding of Yorkshire. 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 the East Riding of Yorkshire. 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
• 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 5th May 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.

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 Elgin and the surrounding area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support or already have a Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy.

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 Elgin and the surrounding area. You will be involved in one-to-one advocacy along with group work across the area; this could be in a clients’ home or other suitable community venue and be home based for telephone referrals and administrative tasks.  Therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

This is a full time role for 35 hours per week, applicants who do not hold the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy will start on £22,500 per annum pro-rata.

About you

We actively encourage applications from those who are long term unemployed.

Desirably you will have some experience of working, 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, training, benefits, employment, care 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.

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.  This can be through 1-2-1 advocacy or in a group setting.

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 2 Award in Independent Advocacy with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 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 5th May 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.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust are advertising for a number of roles across Brent and Uxbridge.

We are looking for motivated, passionate self-starters who want to kickstart a career in the mental health sector. These position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with mental health needs.

As an IPS Employment Specialist you will play a vital role in helping people with mental health needs find meaningful and fulfilling employment. You’ll receive all the training and support you need to take on the role, develop your skills, and have access to a broad range of opportunities. Joining a passionate and driven team, you’ll be working towards creating a fairer and more inclusive society for people with mental health needs.

We welcome applications from all experience levels and backgrounds. What you will need is the ability to motivate and build relationships with service users, strong organisational skills, the confidence to communicate and engage with a range of employers, and a fundamental belief that anyone with a mental health condition can work.

What is an IPS Employment Specialist?

This is a rewarding and dynamic role where no day is the same and you’ll be making a genuine difference to people’s lives. Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model you’ll be:

• Supporting and motivating individuals with mental health conditions to access and sustain paid employment.
• Regularly meeting with clients to listen, offer support and help them identify their best job match, reflecting their skills and aspirations.
• Supporting the clients through CV production, interview techniques and managing their health at work.
• Advocating for your clients by educating and engaging with employers regarding the IPS service.
• Sourcing job opportunities for your clients through regular contact with local employers within the community.
• Promoting employment and raising expectations around the ability of service users to access paid employment, breaking down the barriers for them.

Working for Central North West London NHS Trust

You will also be part of the Trustwide Employment Services Team which comprises of over 40 people.

You will receive a number of staff benefits working for CNWL, this includes an attractive pension scheme, a range of staff networks, travel discounts, employee assistance programme and discounts at hundreds of retailers nationwide. 

This role is an excellent opportunity to start a long-term career within the mental health sector, develop your skills and a gateway to the vast number of opportunities within CNWL.

Apply today to become an IPS Employment Specialist and make a real difference!

The successful applicant may have contact with patients or service users. As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings.

Who are we looking for?

Firstly, you will need either a degree-level education or relevant work experience, such as in the health and social care or employment sectors. Alongside having strong and persuasive communication skills, excellent time management and exceptional organisational skills. Also, the ability to initiate and develop relationships with a variety of individuals and be able to engage employers using a variety of methods such as via the telephone or face-to-face in the community.

It would also be helpful, but NOT essential, if you have experience of working with people with mental health support needs (or similar groups) OR have experience working in employment support services (or equivalent), this can include working with people on a one-to-one basis, offering motivation and support, or engaging with a range of stakeholders. We are actively interested in individuals who have experience using a persuasive communication style or promoting a service to a variety of audiences, this can include marketing, recruitment, or sales roles.

We're looking for a passionate individual to provide advocacy to Disabled people living in Norfolk. The purpose of this role is to:

To provide comprehensive advocacy to people facing disabling barriers, with a non-judgemental approach to ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their lives.

Work to empower people to make their own, informed decisions and support them to have their voices heard.

To offer issue-based advocacy to disabled people in the community in areas such as social care, mental health, housing and child protection. 

Principal tasks:

● Providing information, advice and advocacy on a range of issues affecting people who face disabling barriers, currently including:

o Mental health care

o Support to access treatment and support services

o Personal budgets and direct payments

o Discrimination and employment issues

o Child protection proceedings

● Being an independent voice for clients.

● Working alongside clients to challenge institutions, organisations and bad practice where needed.

● Visiting clients either at home or in the community and working within Equal Lives’ lone working policies and procedures.

● Communicating with clients in the method that feels most comfortable and accessible for them. This could be via phone calls, emails, letters, video calls, face to face meetings or a combination of all of these.

● Building relationships in order to understand and effectively advocate for people who may not use words to communicate or may find it difficult to express themselves.

● Effectively managing a case list and maintaining comprehensive and up to date case management records using appropriate software and ensuring follow up requirements are carried out in a timely fashion

● Contributing to the provision of induction and training of other staff including volunteers within the service.

● Developing strong working relationships with relevant organisations and institutions to ensure that the needs of clients are met.

● Working as part of the advocacy team and developing a supportive team culture.

● Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policies and practice relevant to the role.

Are you passionate about supporting people to uphold their rights?

Disability Advice Service Lambeth (dasl) is Lambeth’s peer-led Disabled People’s Organisation.  

We want to appoint a Professional Advocate who shares our ethos and values and is committed to supporting Lambeth residents achieve their legal rights.

dasl have provided an advocacy service for Lambeth Council for 12 years and since 2020 we have played a key role in the Lambeth Advocacy Hub, a single point of access for all statutory independent advocacy services for Lambeth residents aged 16 and over. We manage referrals and enquiries and provide independent Care Act advocacy and a range of non-statutory advocacy.

We provide a high quality service - we hold the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark. You will hold, or be working towards, a qualification such as the Certificate/Diploma in Independent Advocacy (Level 3), or be able to show the necessary skills and relevant experience in a formal or informal advocacy role. 

dasl’s success comes from dedicated work of our skilled staff, many of whom are Disabled people. You will be valued for who you are in our supportive and friendly team.

We work flexibly between home and office. Our office in Brixton is accessible.

This is a rolling recruitment - applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed as soon as possible. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are able.

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.

Community Navigator (Mental Health)
Post no: 593
Salary: £24,667.47 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Eaglestone Health Centre, Milton Keynes

This role is an opportunity to work for Mind BLMK as part of the Milton Keynes NHS mental health service for someone with experience working in health, social care or information and advice, in direct contact with service users.

Working alongside colleagues from Central Northwest London Foundation Trust (CNWL) this role will provide referral management to and from Secondary Services. This will include signposting patients to statutory services including talking therapies and wider community based & voluntary sector support.

The Community Navigator will work as part of the team to deliver on the aims and objectives of the Mental Health Hub whilst representing the Voluntary and Community sector with the NHS.

Service Delivery

• Work within the NHS Mental Health SPA (Single Point of Access) Team to review and process referrals received from GP Practices and other sources including those to be subsequently triaged and assessed by mental health practitioners.
• Actively call patients with a view to assisting them through the process and making their onward appointments into community or secondary care service providers.
• Support the hub to signpost patients and direct them to appropriate services including secondary care, the local Voluntary and Community sector services and activities that support the patients’ wider determinates of their mental health and wellbeing.
• Answer calls, ensure sufficient phone cover, respond to messages/voicemails, provide administrative support to the Mental Health SPA for all services and deal with queries in a sensitive and timely way liaising with clinical or team lead as is appropriate.
• Monitor service inboxes during core office hours, responding to any queries professionally providing helpful information.
• Monitor and action tasks within SystmOne and maintain records of all activities carried out, i.e. outbound calls, calls received, archiving any received correspondence.
• Build good working relationships with the voluntary and community sector, relevant services and activities to ensure signposting pathways are kept up to date as well navigating and developing the setup of new signposting pathways through networking.
• Provide clinical and non-clinical information in appropriate chronological templates to other services.
• Carry out health and safety responsibilities as directed by Managers in line with Mind BLMK’s H&S policies, procedures, and guidance (risk assessments, reviews, reporting, safeguarding, incidents/accidents, premises).
• To bring VCSE experience, knowledge and culture into an NHS team.

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
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• 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 on Thursday 2 May 2024
Interview: TBC
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP

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 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 covering Bolton.  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. As this is a 6-month FTC the successful candidate, if not already an Advocate, will not be enrolled on the level 3 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata
• 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.

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 21 April 2024.

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.

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. 

Advocate

After a strong period of growth and additional funding, we now have an opportunity for an experienced Advocate to join team!

You will focus on carrying regular outreach across Leeds, along with working with local partners, services and third sector projects to find Gypsies and Travellers in the Leeds area. Outreach will cover roadside camps, private yards and people in homes.

This role and project represent the first step in working with Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds.

Position: Advocate

Location: Leeds/hybrid (work will include delivering outreach across Leeds)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: £24,829 per annum pro rata

Contract: initial 12-month contract with possibility to extend subject to funding

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, hybrid working where the role allows, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and free parking.

Closing Date: 17th May 2024

The Role

You will be working holistically to support the community with a wide range of needs having a focus on members with complex needs and with families who require educational support. You will be helping members to develop the necessary skills to self-advocate through providing information, signposting and support.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Advocacy - to provide members with daily accessible and equitable advocacy appointments. Topics may include welfare rights and entitlement, housing rights and support, health and wellbeing including mental health and equalities and justice
• Project and administration management
• Risk Management, to ensure good management within all the work particularly that all activities are risk assessed, safe and inclusive and follow processes and policies
• Partnerships, including building and maintaining a wide network of partner and services in support of advocacy delivery and community development

About You

We are looking for someone with knowledge of relevant legislation and rights, for example in relation to housing, welfare, family, health and equalities

You will have experience of working with:

• Groups or individuals experiencing exclusion and the barriers they face when accessing services
• Vulnerable people
• Safeguarding frameworks – making decisions and sharing information

About the Organisation

You will be joining a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. This is an established and award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile.  Recognised as being innovative, brave and creative.  The overall aim of the charity is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies and Travellers through addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. There are a number of community-facing and strategic projects to achieve aims including advocacy, community development and youth work.

You may also have experience in areas such as Outreach, Community Outreach, Community Outreach Worker, Community Outreach Advocate, Community Outreach Support Worker, Community Outreach Support, Community Advocate, Advocate, Advocacy, Advocacy Worker.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

This exciting Senior Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) role will manage a portfolio of policy and influencing activities and play a significant role developing the Foundation’s policy and public affairs work in Scotland. This is an opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading charities and deliver social change by addressing the root causes of mental health problems and improving the mental health of people in Scotland.

What does the role involve?

• Developing and sustaining relationships with valuable decision-makers, influencers and allies
• Developing and implementing impactful influencing plans
• Providing policy intelligence and analysis and writing evidence-based submissions, policy reports, position papers, briefings and blogs
• Engaging with people with lived experience

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Ability to shape and lead policy programmes professionally and strategically, working with others
• Skill in building strong relationships with relevant external stakeholders including senior officials, elected representatives, people with experience of mental health problems and people who experience inequity
• Experience of working in a public policy role, with experience of a range of policy and public affairs approaches and work
• Knowledge of public health and/or mental health policy or a related field

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification.

Applications will close at 5pm on Wednesday, 1 May and we are unable to accept late applications.

Interviews are planned for Wednesday, 15th May and you will be asked to deliver a presentation on the day of the interview.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The interview for this position will be held face-to-face in Glasgow. We have moved to a hybrid working model of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!