Full job descriptionIndependent Advocate (Statutory) - West Berkshire, Permanent full time hours as well as hours available on a Casual basis
South West Advocacy Network supports and empowers people to have a voice, by ensuring access to high quality, independent advocacy, support and advice. We believe that everyone has the right to be heard & respected, the right to choice in decisions about themselves and the right to be safe.
We are looking for individuals, on a full time or casual worker basis . You should be confident and have a positive outlook, a flexible approach, good time management skills and able to work independently. You should have experience working within the Mental Health Sector as much of your work will be based within the County’s hospitals supporting individuals who have been detained under the Mental Health Act. Travel throughout West Berkshire will be required and due to the rural nature of the county your own vehicle will be essential.
Working directly with clients, Advocates take action to help people express their views, secure their rights, pursue their interests and obtain the services they need. Advocates work in partnership with people and take their side, promoting equality, social inclusion and social justice.
Experience and knowledge crucial for the role:
*Experience and knowledge of working within secure units supporting individuals who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act
*Working with people who are described as vulnerable, or who have additional support needs.
*Communication suitable for a wide variety of people, some of whom may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues or have been assessed as lacking capacity.
*Managing work time and work priorities, managing pressure and delivering on deadlines.
*Working individually but acknowledging the importance of being part of a team
*A commitment to the belief that everyone has a right to be heard, have choice and control, to be safe from harm and to live the life they choose.
*Knowledge of the Acts governing best practice: Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Mental Health Act
Advocates are expected to hold or work towards the Diploma in Independent Advocacy Qualification (City & Guilds Level 3 or 4) and this qualification should be undertaken within 12 months of appointment. Additional specialist units to support delivery in line with the Care Act 2014 may also be required.
FTE Salary; £24,454.04 - £25,569.96 (pro rata for Part time) and the lower salary will be paid to new starters unless they hold the relevant qualifications.
The post is subject to 2 references including previous employer, evidence of right to work in the UK and an enhanced DBS check.
If you would like to join us, SWAN will offer you;
· A supportive working environment
· Flexible working to fit around your personal circumstances
· Regular person-centred Supervision
· Training and development opportunities
· Minimum 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
· 6% Employer pension and 2% employee contribution
· Employee Assistance Scheme, offering a free and confidential helpline for you
· A Wellbeing Day – a paid day from work to allow you time to focus on your own wellbeing
. A Paid day off on your birthday
· In-house Mental Health First Aiders
Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to our values. In the selection of our staff, we are committed to equality with regards to protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We welcome applications from disabled people. The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst employees, suppliers and customers. As part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy we will ask all applicants to complete a E D & I monitoring form which will remain anonymous.
Apply: Send your CV and a supporting statement, a paragraph or 2, providing examples of your experience, skills and knowledge which demonstrate the personal attributes and qualities required for the role, this can be from professional or personal experience. (Applications will not be considered without this supporting information)