At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and empower patients in a medium secure forensic setting as an Independent Mental Health Advocate.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in mental health care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, geographical allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health services or public-facing roles; advocacy qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22188 - 22188 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: Arnold Lodge (Medium Secure Service)
Compensation: £27,869.95 per year (pro rata) plus £620 geographical allowance per year (pro rata)
Description: Medium Secure Forensic Hospital – Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire
Are you a qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA), or interested in developing into this role? Do you want to make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients detained under the Mental Health Act within a medium secure forensic setting? We are seeking a committed, skilled, and compassionate advocate to join our team.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: Ideally 3+ years’ experience as an IMHA, or within mental health services, healthcare, or other public-facing roles (including customer service)
- Qualifications: A Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ), or willingness to achieve this within the first year of employment
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, using adaptable and appropriate communication methods
- Organisation: Strong note-taking, record-keeping, and time management skills
- Professionalism: Confidence and ability to manage complex, sensitive, and challenging situations with empathy and clarity
- Safeguarding & Compliance: This role is subject to a DBS check
As an IMHA, you will work directly with patients to:
- Provide information, support, and representation
- Empower individuals to participate in decisions about their care, treatment, legal rights, and daily life
- Ensure their views are heard and respected in all relevant processes
You will be required to complete all mandatory training and role-related learning. Please note, this includes annual breakaway and physical disengagement training, which requires an appropriate level of physical ability.
About the Role
- Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week
- Salary: £27,869.95 per year (pro rata) plus £620 geographical allowance per year (pro rata)
Functional Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain relationships of trust with service users to build engagement
- Work with individual service users to provide information, support and representation in order to assist them in any decision making process affecting their care, treatment, legal status or other aspect of their daily lives whilst detained in hospital.
- Work with groups of service users on wards or in other forums to assist them in developing and expressing a collective point of view.
- Liaise with other professionals and services to promote the Advocacy and IMHA service.
- Support the Manager in providing training to ensure awareness and understanding of Advocacy and IMHA.
- Assist in the design and provision of self-advocacy training for service users and/or other groups.
- Develop and agree targets and a work schedule with the Service Manager that meets the requirements of the post and work to meet them.
- Maintain detailed case notes and accurate statistical information and other records for the purpose of information retrieval, service evaluation and casework using computerised systems.
- Provide written or verbal reports as requested to support contract monitoring.
- Work as part of a team, providing support and assistance to other members of the team, including volunteers, and working in co-operation with them to meet the requirements of the Service.
- Participate in regular supervision sessions with the Manager or Senior Advocate.
- Work at all times within the principles and policies of Together, the Service Specification and the Contractual requirements of the service (including security) and the Advocacy Charter.
- Successfully complete accredited training for Independent Advocacy Qualification in particular completing the IMHA module of the National Advocacy Qualification, during first year of employment.
- Undertake all necessary mandatory and job-related courses and learning activities. Please note this post includes the requirement to be able to participate in mandatory physical breakaway and physical disengagement training on an annual basis.
- Maintain professional boundaries in all aspects of work with service users
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Essential:
- Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience
- Understanding of the principals 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 services 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
- IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Benefits: More information is available in the benefits PDF.
Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood employer: Together UK
Join our dedicated team at Wathwood, where we prioritise a supportive work culture that empowers Independent Mental Health Advocates to make a real difference in the lives of patients. With opportunities for professional growth, comprehensive training, and a commitment to employee well-being, we offer a fulfilling environment in the heart of South Yorkshire, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally while advocating for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood
✨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 UK 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 UK can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood
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 UK 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 UK 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 UK
✨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 UK.
✨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 UK 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 UK 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.
