Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)

We are looking for a full-time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) to join our One Advocacy Service on a permanent basis.

The role will be to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need., Full training and support will be given to the successful candidate to enable them to carry out their role. This to be completed within 4-6 months of start date.

Responsibilities / Key Tasks:
Work within the principles of the Advocacy Charter and Advocacy Code of Practice
Work within the relevant code of practice for statutory advocacy (IMHA)
Establish the scope of the advocacy support with the advocacy partner or referrer, where appropriate, within an Advocacy Plan that is agreed between the advocate and the advocacy partner
Support the advocacy partner at meetings
Inform the advocacy partner of progress
Record and maintain accurate, detailed case notes on the case management system in a timely manner
Prepare reports on the advocacy support provided where relevant and appropriate in a timely manner
Support advocacy partners to understand what is being considered around their care and support.

What we offer in return:
28 days entitlement plus bank holidays pro-rata
Full advice training is offered to all members of staff regardless of role to Advice Quality Standard (AQS)
Opportunities for further training and continuous professional development
Internal progression opportunities
Supportive environment
Remote/flexible working opportunities, subject to management approval
Option to buy & sell holiday allowance, subject to management approval

Can manage own time effectively with a keen eye for detail
Can complete tasks to the highest quality
Has excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Is experienced in working with a diverse range of people and providing a welcoming environment for clients
Is in possession of a full driving licence and use of a car, or otherwise able to fulfil the travel requirements necessary, Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.

Do you have a passion for working in the heart of your local community and are driven by making a difference? Then Citizens Advice Mid Mercia is the organisation for you.

Our free and independent advice helps people solve problems in a confidential and impartial manner. Whatever the problem, we won't turn people away. We make a difference. Our trusted brand and the quality of our research mean we make a real impact on behalf of the people who rely on us.

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia delivers independent advocacy support to eligible individuals in Derby city through its One Advocacy service. Advocacy is taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.

Paid DBS application, where applicable
5% pension contributions
3 month's full contractual pay for maternity, upon meeting qualifying criteria
Potential additional permanent contracted hours, where the organisational need exists
Being part of a great team / CAMM family

We value the health & wellbeing of our teams, and this is very important to us. As such, we offer time out breaks and a counselling line for all staff and volunteers.

The essentials:
Salary - £23,233 - £24,822 (dependent upon experience)
Hybrid Working -a few days per week from one of our offices, a few days from home depending on service needs