Independent Mental Health Advocate

Independent Mental Health Advocate

Part-Time 24600 - 24800 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Together for Mental Wellbeing

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and empower patients in a forensic secure setting to ensure their voices are heard.
  • Company: Join Together for Mental Wellbeing, a charity dedicated to mental health support.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and meaningful work making a difference.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on individuals' lives during critical moments.
  • Qualifications: Experience supporting vulnerable individuals and understanding advocacy principles.

The predicted salary is between 24600 - 24800 £ per year.

Part Time – 22.5 hours per week
£27,323.51 per annum pro rata (basic salary) plus £620 per annum pro rata (Geographical allowance)
Wathwood Medium Forensic Secure, Wath-Upon-Dearne (near Rotherham), South Yorkshire

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 Forensic secure setting? We are seeking a committed, skilled and compassionate advocate to join our team.

Key Responsibilities

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.
  • Ensure their views are heard and respected in all relevant processes.

Training and 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.

If you are driven by compassion, committed to upholding people’s rights and ready to empower individuals at some of the critical moments in their lives, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

To apply please complete an application via our website www.together-uk.org (We only accept applications via our website, not directly through LinkedIn)

About Together for Mental Wellbeing

Together for Mental Wellbeing is a national charity dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges to live fulfilling and independent lives, with a history dating back to 1879. The organization works with approximately 4,500 individuals each month across 70 locations in England. By valuing the unique expertise of the people they support, Together ensures services are tailored to individual needs and preferences. Their wide range of services includes Advocacy, community support, accommodation-based programs, and criminal justice services.

For further details, visit www.together-uk.org

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

  • Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience
  • Understanding of the principles 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
  • Ability to be empathetic towards service users and create a safe and trusting environment as well as work in partnership with service users
  • Ability to work alongside individuals experiencing mental distress
  • Ability to work independently, on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries when working with service users

Desirable

  • Experience of working in an advocacy or care setting (desirable)
  • IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy (desirable)

Independent Mental Health Advocate employer: Together for Mental Wellbeing

Together for Mental Wellbeing is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and compassionate work culture. Located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex needs. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your passion for helping others and encourages your professional journey.

Together for Mental Wellbeing

Contact Details:

Together for Mental Wellbeing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Independent Mental Health Advocate

Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives

Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!

Attend Networking Events and Workshops

Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!

Showcase Your Skills Online

Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Together for Mental Wellbeing who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.

Directly Approach Local Clinics

Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Together for Mental Wellbeing can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!

We think you need these skills to ace Independent Mental Health Advocate

Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Empathy
Understanding of Advocacy Principles
Liaison and Negotiation Skills
Experience Supporting Vulnerable Individuals
Understanding of Discrimination Effects
Competence in Email and Word Processing Software

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!

Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Together for Mental Wellbeing and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!

Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Together for Mental Wellbeing see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Together for Mental Wellbeing

Know Your Theoretical Frameworks

It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Together for Mental Wellbeing.

Practice Your Active Listening Skills

Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.

Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients

In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Together for Mental Wellbeing about your versatility.

Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations

Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Together for Mental Wellbeing supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.