At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in understanding their rights and amplify their voices.
- Company: Rethink Mental Illness, dedicated to advocacy and mental health.
- Benefits: Fully funded qualification, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to learning are essential.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 € per month.
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves to have their voice heard — especially when the decisions being made have a life‑changing impact. If you’re passionate about standing alongside people, amplifying their rights, and making sure they’re truly listened to, this could be the start of a meaningful career in advocacy.
As a Trainee Single Discipline Advocate (Paid RPR), you’ll begin your journey toward becoming a qualified Independent Advocate. You don’t need previous advocacy experience — just compassion, curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to learning. We’ll enrol you onto the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, provide protected study time, and support you step‑by‑step as you grow into the role. You’ll work with people who have been deprived of their liberty, helping them understand their rights, express their wishes, challenge decisions when necessary, and ensure their unique views are represented — even when they cannot communicate them directly.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Shadow experienced advocates, gradually building confidence to manage your own RPR caseload
- Visit people in the community, care homes, hospitals, supported living and other settings
- Support individuals to understand their situation, explore their options and have their voices heard
- Challenge decisions or capacity assessments where appropriate
- Identify safeguarding concerns and respond in line with policy
- Work collaboratively with professionals while always keeping the person at the centre
- Maintain clear, accurate records using our case management system
- Grow your knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act, DoLS, and relevant legal frameworks
- Represent Rethink values — always empowering, always person‑led
Where you’ll work
This is a field‑based role, giving you the autonomy to organise your own schedule. You’ll travel across Wandsworth & Richmond for client visits, team meetings and training.
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an expert — we’ll help you get there. What matters most is that you are:
- Passionate about protecting people’s rights
- A strong listener who is curious, empathetic and calm under pressure
- Able to work independently and manage your time effectively
- Eager to learn about legislation and best‑interest decision‑making
- Confident communicating with a wide range of people
- Committed to equity, inclusion, and Rethink’s CARES behaviours
What’s In It For You
- Fully funded Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification
- Protected study time and dedicated supervision
- A supportive team invested in your development
- Opportunity to progress into a qualified Single Discipline Advocate (RPR) upon completion
- A role where every day you make a meaningful difference
If you’re driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be heard, supported and treated with dignity — we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness.
Why Work With Rethink Mental Illness?
- Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing Support: Access our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and the Unmind mental health app.
- Recognition & Rewards: Enjoy discounts, cashback offers, and celebrate achievements through our PULSE platform.
- Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
- Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
- Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us, and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services.
We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background — regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio‑economic status.
Becoming a truly anti‑racist organisation
We have an ambition of becoming a truly anti‑racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider — and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti‑racist statement. We have designed a multi‑year anti‑racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti‑racist organisation.
Trainee Single Discipline Advocate (RPR) employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through fully funded qualifications, protected study time, and a culture that values diversity and well-being. Working in the vibrant areas of Wandsworth and Richmond, you'll have the autonomy to manage your schedule while making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by mental illness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Single Discipline Advocate (RPR)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Rethink Mental Illness and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend events related to mental health advocacy. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral — which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your listening skills! As an advocate, being a strong listener is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family where they can throw questions at you, and focus on really hearing what they say before responding.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining Rethink and making a difference in the lives of those we support.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Single Discipline Advocate (RPR)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for advocacy and how it aligns with our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that relate to the Trainee Single Discipline Advocate role. Highlight any relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly in advocacy — we value transferable skills!
Show Your Commitment to Learning:Since this role is all about growth, emphasise your eagerness to learn and develop. Mention any previous learning experiences or qualifications that demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Advocacy Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of advocacy, especially around the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS. Understanding these concepts will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can support individuals effectively.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share personal experiences that highlight your compassion and ability to listen. Rethink Mental Illness values empathy, so demonstrating your understanding of others' feelings and perspectives will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of empowering individuals.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Learning
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Mention any relevant courses or training you've undertaken, and be ready to discuss how you plan to approach the Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification.
