At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower and support clients in making informed decisions about their care and treatment.
- Company: Join MindWise, a leader in mental health support with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, enhanced holiday leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advocating for their rights and choices.
- Qualifications: Level 4 Certificate in Independent Advocacy or equivalent, plus 2 years' advocacy experience.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: Lisburn & Ards Area
Hours: 25.8 hours per week
Duration: 9 months to cover maternity leave (with possible extension)
Starting Salary: £20,183.86
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 2nd October 2026
All our roles make a positive impact on the lives of others; the purpose of this role is to empower and support people to make informed decisions, empowering them to act for themselves with regards to their care, treatment and identify the choices available to them. The Advocate may support clients at Mental Health Review Tribunals, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety Tribunals, Case Reviews, Discharge Planning Meetings and liaising with staff, mental health professionals, families and carers, on matters relating to individual clients. Safeguarding the rights of clients, particularly for those vulnerable clients who lack capacity to make decisions, including rights under Mental Health, Human Rights, and Social and Economic legislation.
What we ask for from you:
- Level 4 Certificate or Diploma in Independent Advocacy, or equivalent or willing to complete examination in 6-12 months.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the last 5 years as an Advocate, in a professional or personal capacity.
- Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills relevant to the role of an Advocate.
- Hold a current driving licence and access to a car is essential as this role may require the Advocate to travel regionally. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence.
- Ability to demonstrate alignment with MindWise’s core values of Passion, Respect, Empathy, Togetherness, Openness & Transparency.
What you get in return:
- A competitive salary
- A minimum employer pension contribution of 6%
- Enhanced holiday leave entitlement of 35 days (FTE)
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Medical cash plan
- Death in service benefit
- Access to family friendly policies and flexible working options
- Business mileage paid at HMRC max
- Commitment to learning and development
- Able to volunteer 1 day per year with MindWise
- Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
- Able to join Staff Working Groups and have your voice heard! e.g. People working group; Health & Wellbeing; Leadership and Management; Human Rights; Trauma Informed group etc
- Investors in People (IIP) Gold Award holders, reflecting excellent working practices
The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced with Adult’s Barred Access NI check.
MindWise are an equal opportunities employer.
PLEASE NOTE: CV's are not accepted. Online Application.
About MindWise
MindWise has a long-established history of supporting individuals with mental health issues and their families. Our vision is a world where mental health is everyone’s business, and our mission is to support and empower people affected by mental health issues to live their best lives. We do this through our dedicated staff who make a real difference in the lives of clients every day.
Staff Benefits
- Enhanced Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Commitment to Learning and Development
- Flexible Working Policies
- Staff Health & Wellbeing Group
- Death in Service Benefit
- Coaching and Mentoring
Our Values
- Passion
- Respect
- Empathy
- Togetherness
- Openness & Transparency
Advocate in Lisburn employer: MindWise
MindWise is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly in the Omagh area. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and development, we offer flexible working options, generous holiday entitlements, and opportunities for professional growth through various staff working groups. Our Investors in People Gold Award reflects our dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging work culture, making MindWise a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in wellness support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advocate in Lisburn
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at MindWise.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from MindWise!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like MindWise, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at MindWise or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Advocate in Lisburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to MindWise:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to MindWise! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MindWise
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
