Arnold Lodge
Are you a qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) or passionate about becoming one?
Do you want to make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients detained under the Mental Health Act within a medium secure forensic setting?
We are seeking a committed, skilled and compassionate advocate to join our team.
What We’re Looking For
Experience
Ideally 3+ years’ experience as an IMHA or within mental health services, general healthcare, or other public-facing roles (including customer service).
Qualifications
A Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ) or a willingness to work towards it within your first year in post.
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people using varied and adaptable communication approaches.
Organisation
Strong note taking, record keeping and time management skills.
Professionalism
The ability to manage complex, sensitive and challenging situations with confidence, empathy and clarity.
Safeguarding & Compliance
A DBS check is required for this role.
What You Will Do
As an IMHA, you will work directly with individual patients to provide information, support and representation, empower them to participate in decisions about their care, treatment, legal rights and daily life, and ensure their views are heard and respected in all relevant processes.
Training & Development
You will be required to complete all mandatory training and job related learning activities. Please note: this includes annual breakaway and physical disengagement training, which requires a level of physical ability.
Full Time – 37.5 hours per week
£27323.51 per annum (basic salary) plus £620 per annum (geographical allowance)
Key Responsibilities
Essential
- Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience.
- Understanding of the principals of advocacy.
- Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
- Understanding of discrimination and its effects.
- Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals.
- Competence in the use of email and word processing software.
- Demonstrate a non-judgemental attitude.
- Able to be empathetic towards service users and create a trusting environment.
- Ability to work alongside individuals experiencing mental distress.
- Ability to work in partnership with services users.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries when working with service users.
- Ability to establish and maintain a safe environment.
- Ability to be adaptable and resourceful in overcoming challenges.
- Committed to work in ways which reflect Together’s values.
- Always safeguard the wellbeing of patients and colleagues.
Desirable
- Experience of working in an advocacy or care setting.
- IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience.
- Understanding of the principals of advocacy.
- Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
- Understanding of discrimination and its effects.
- Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals.
- Competence in the use of email and word processing software.
- Demonstrate a non-judgemental attitude.
- Able to be empathetic towards service users and create a trusting environment.
- Ability to work alongside individuals experiencing mental distress.
- Ability to work in partnership with services users.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries when working with service users.
- Ability to establish and maintain a safe environment.
- Ability to be adaptable and resourceful in overcoming challenges.
- Committed to work in ways which reflect Together’s values.
- Always safeguard the wellbeing of patients and colleagues.
Desirable
- Experience of working in an advocacy or care setting.
- IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy.
Job Benefits
Download the PDF to find out more about what you can get out of working for us.
Benefits of Working for Together
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