Peer advocate worker jobs in Birmingham, west midlands
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Specialist & Expert Advocate for Children - based in Scotland
Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse AAFDA
Remote – Based in Scotland with regular travel across Scotland
Salary – £33,000 pa
Full-time
Fixed term for 12 months (potentially 36 months dependent on funding)
Closing Date – 10th April 2026
AAFDA is a growing charity, and we are looking for a specialist Children’s Advocate to be based in Scotland. Although home based, travel will be required across Scotland. We welcome applications from candidates who are registered social workers and who have professional experience of working with people who have experienced domestic abuse.
We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.
AAFDA was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003.
Scotland is expected to introduce Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews (DHSRs) in April 2026. We are looking for a candidate with a good understanding of the Scottish legislative system and good understanding around domestic abuse and how it impacts on children to join our growing charity. Each year, in Scotland, around 25 families lose a loved one to fatal domestic abuse, perhaps one third of this number being domestic homicides and the others being suicides following domestic abuse. The actual number of domestic abuse related suicides remains unknown.
Many of these families suffer significant problems including relationship breakdown, job difficulties/loss and mental and physical health issues. The Children’s advocate will provide expert advocacy, specialist peer support to children, and other services, helping them practically and emotionally. This may include helping them to contribute to DHSRs and providing opportunities to recover from harm for example via trauma therapy and other services.
Through trauma-informed approaches, you will help the children bereaved by fatal domestic abuse:
-To enhance their voice after fatal domestic abuse including by helping them to contribute to domestic homicide and suicide reviews and formal / informal meetings with various professionals.
-By providing residential peer support events, or access to these events for both the children and their carers.
-Via virtual support tools and other resources.
-By developing pathways into groupwork programmes for carers of bereaved children.
-Cope and recover by direct support and by linking into other services, for example, specialist trauma therapy.
In return for joining us, we will offer you:
· 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
· Excellent development and training opportunities
· Pension Scheme
· Healthcare Scheme
· Employee Assist Scheme
Application Instructions
To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement along with your CV. The closing date is 10th April 2026. Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages
Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification. Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.
Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Salary: £33,000 per annum pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours over 3 days per week, must be available to work Tuesdays
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Birmingham
Reports to: Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist
THE CHARITY
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.
James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.
In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are expanding our newly established team of clinicians to deliver our clinical proven intervention at our new James’ Place centre in Birmingham. As a Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. Successful applicants will be joining a new team at a pivotal time and will have the opportunity to shape the local culture at James’ Place Birmingham. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre in Birmingham and the wider James’ Place team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
- Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans
- Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis
- Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies
- Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a member of the clinical team and in consultation with Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist and Head of Centre when needed
- Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams
- Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care
- Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care
- Demonstrate self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself well
- Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work
- Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research
- Engage in peer support sessions, caseload discussions and Reflective Practice with the team
- Contribute to an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality
- Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards
- Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner
- Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally
- Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary
- Support with the creation and facilitation of a Peer Support Group once James’ Place Birmingham is well-established
Outreach and Engagement
- Support the local management team to increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention
- Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events
Values
- Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.
Essential
Qualification(s)
- A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England
or
- Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation
You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress
- Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions
- Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide
- Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment
- Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions
- An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan
- An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication
- Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so
- Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service
- Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention
- Ability to work as an effective team member
- Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making
- Strong time management
- Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards
- Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre
- Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures
Values
- Commitment to clinical supervision
- Ability to engage with James’ Place values
- Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights
- Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production
- Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed
- Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis
WE OFFER
- A 7% employer contributory pension scheme
- Family friendly policies
- Death in service insurance scheme
- 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period
LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more about working for James' Place, sign up to our online recruitment information session on Wednesday 8th April at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the three screening questions. Please note, you do not need to upload a cover letter for this role.
If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please contact us directly.
Closing date: Friday 1st May, 5pm
Interviews are expected to be held in person on 12th and 13th May.
Our aim is to recruit a team of clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place Birmingham. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience in delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.
James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.
Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.
REF-227 718
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Overview
This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.
Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.
You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Team Management
- Programme Development & Delivery
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Member Support & Engagement
Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website.
Benefits to working at Shine:
- Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
- Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)
- 3% pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
- Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
- Broadband allowance for home-based roles
- Life insurance after 12 months’ employment
- Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
- Support to learn and develop
How to apply
Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.
If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call.
To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria.
We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications.
*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted*
Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm
Interviews: Monday 27th April 2026
Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Providing specialist advice and support for spina bifida and hydrocephalus
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.