Statutory Advocate
Part Time £26,651.25 per annum pro rata (Basic Salary)Job Overview
Together Advocacy is a values-driven organisation committed to upholding the rights and voices of people who are often unheard. We work across communities to provide high-quality statutory advocacy services that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their lives and care.
We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Statutory Advocate to join our team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health issues, learning disabilities, and other complex needs.
Part-time 22.5 hours per week
£26,651.25 per annum pro rata (Basic Salary)
The post holder will work from our office in Rochdale and in the community but hybrid working is also available at times.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality advocacy support under relevant statutory frameworks (IMHA, IMCA, Care Act, and DoLS).
- Promote and protect the rights of individuals by ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting their care, treatment, and well-being.
- Build trusting, professional relationships with clients, supporting them to understand and exercise their rights.
- Maintain accurate and timely records in line with legal and organisational requirements.
- Work collaboratively with professionals across health, social care, and legal settings.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- A relevant qualification or demonstrable experience in an advocacy or care setting in an advocacy or care setting
- Previous experience of working with a diverse range of vulnerable people with a wide variety of communication needs, which may include people who lack capacity
- Understanding of advocacy principles and the issues involved in providing independent advocacy
- Experience of liaison and negotiation with health and social care professionals. Ability to check, challenge and negotiate with people at all levels of seniority
- Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service
- Excellent communication skills – orally and written.
- Access to appropriate transport to enable effective access to services & service users that are geographically dispersed, i.e. essential car user.
- Competency in the use of basic IT: Word, Excel and databases.
- An understanding of discrimination and its effects.
- Evidence of training and learning and a commitment to self-development.
- Hold, or be willing to complete within 12 months, the Independent Advocacy Qualification with IMHA/IMCA/DOLS/CAA specialism.
- Ability to work independently, on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team.
Desirable
- Understanding of the statutory regulations and other key guidance covering this work: Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Health Act, and the Advocacy Charter.
- Understanding of Care Planning and Assessment
- Understanding of the specific role, purpose and responsibilities of an IMHA, IMCA and CA Advocate
- Understanding of the complexities of attaining the perspective of people who lack mental capacity in decision making.
- Understanding of how an equal opportunities policy can contribute positively to the diversity and health of an organisation.