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- Tasks: Provide independent advocacy for adults lacking capacity, ensuring their rights and wishes are represented.
- Company: Disability Direct Advocacy, a key player in supporting vulnerable individuals in Derby City.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, employee assistance programme, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your advocacy skills.
- Qualifications: Level 4 Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMCA specialism required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 26000 £ per year.
Disability Direct Advocacy is commissioned by Derby City Council to deliver Independent Advocacy in Derby City. We provide specialist independent advocacy support focused on one-to-one, issue-based advocacy services. Disability Direct Advocacy delivers the Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy service (IMCA) including the Relevant Persons Paid Representative Role (RPPR) under the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), the Independent Mental Health Advocacy service (IMHA), Independent Advocacy under Care Act 2014, NHS Complaints Advocacy and Non-statutory Advocacy in Derby City.
Role Purpose
The IMCA will provide statutory independent advocacy to support adults who lack capacity to make specific decisions, ensuring their rights, wishes, feelings, and beliefs are represented in decisions about serious medical treatment, accommodation moves, safeguarding processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver statutory IMCA advocacy in line with the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and relevant guidance.
- Receive and respond to IMCA referrals in accordance with service timescales.
- Establish contact with decision-makers, social workers, health professionals, and the person’s informal network where relevant.
- Meet the person in the most appropriate setting to understand their wishes, feelings, beliefs, values, and preferred outcomes.
- Examine relevant health and social care records to gather information necessary for the IMCA report where appropriate.
- Prepare high-quality IMCA reports that describe the benefits and burden of all available options as well as introducing possible additional alternative options for the attention of decision makers, and that clearly represent the person’s views.
- Raise safeguarding concerns and conduct issues in accordance with Disability Direct’s and Derby City Council’s safeguarding procedures where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate case notes and records on the case management system.
- Work within the Advocacy Charter, Advocacy Code of Practice, and statutory IMCA legislation and Codes of Practice.
- Ensure communication support needs are met, arranging interpreters, BSL, Makaton, or alternative methods when required.
- Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and team meetings.
- Ability to support other areas of advocacy where appropriate.
Person Specification
- Level 4 Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMCA specialism.
- Strong knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, and best-interest decision-making processes and the Advocacy Charter.
- Ability to analyse and interpret professional reports and records.
- Excellent written communication skills, particularly report writing.
- Ability to challenge decision-making and elevate where appropriate in a professional manner.
- High level of resilience and ability to work independently.
- Experience of managing a caseload and working to a deadline.
- Experience supporting adults with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, dementia, or brain injury.
- IT competency, including Word, Excel, and case management systems.
- Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Previous experience working with Adult Social Care, NHS clinical teams, safeguarding, or multidisciplinary settings.
- Training or proficiency in BSL, Makaton, or alternative communication methods.
Disclosure and Barring Service
In accordance with Disability Direct policy, the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced screening by the DBS.
3 months – with possible extension if performance review is required.
5.8 weeks per year pro rata to include bank holidays.
5% employer contribution to the company pension scheme (matched by the employee).
Employee Assistance Programme, which gives access to Digital GP service, Remote counselling, coaching support and much more.
Death in service and critical illness insurance.
Up to 10 days sick pay pro rata depending on length of service.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £25,000.00-£26,000.00 per year
Company pension
Life insurance
Licence/Certification: Level 4 Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy qualification (required)
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) employer: Disability Direct
Contact Detail:
Disability Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the advocacy field, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and best-interest decision-making processes. We want to see you confidently discuss how you’d handle real-life scenarios related to IMCA work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in advocacy, report writing, and working with vulnerable adults. This will help us see how you fit into the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of an IMCA and the Mental Capacity Act. We want to see that you know your stuff and can apply it in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when you tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We want to see your report writing skills shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Direct
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Mental Capacity Act and the Advocacy Charter before your interview. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported adults with cognitive impairments or worked in multidisciplinary settings. This will help demonstrate your practical experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Practice Your Report Writing Skills
Since report writing is a key part of the IMCA role, consider bringing a sample report or discussing your approach to writing high-quality reports. This will highlight your written communication skills and attention to detail.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific advocacy scenarios. Think through potential situations you might face and how you would ensure the rights and wishes of the individuals you advocate for are upheld.