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
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to MindWise, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
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's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of MindWise. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at MindWise. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at MindWise
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with MindWise.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Advocate role at MindWise, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show MindWise that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
