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 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
- IAQ Level 4 in Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Benefits: More information is available in the benefits PDF.
Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood in Leicester employer: Together UK
Join our dedicated team at Wathwood, where we prioritise a supportive and compassionate work culture that empowers our Independent Mental Health Advocates to make a real difference in the lives of patients. With opportunities for professional growth through accredited training and a commitment to employee well-being, you will find a rewarding environment that values your contributions and fosters collaboration. Located in the serene setting of Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, we offer competitive compensation and a geographical allowance, ensuring that you are well-supported in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood in Leicester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Together UK, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Together UK. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Together UK's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Together UK. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Together UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Together UK
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Together UK.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood at Together UK.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Together UK that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Independent Mental Health Advocate - Wathwood role.
