Job Description

IMHA- Qualified

HOURS: 37.5 hours a week- Temporary 3 month contract

LOCATION: Stockport, Greater Manchester

REPORTS TO: Lead IMHA/Operations Manager

PAY: 29913.00( 37.5 Hours) ( 15.34 per hour)

Stockport Advocacy is a Community Benefit Society which was founded in 2004, we provide statutory and community advocacy services across Stockport Metropolitan Borough. We offer direct and local support via professional advocates and volunteers to groups of people who are marginalised and vulnerable living in Stockport.

Advocacy is "Taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need' (NDTi).

The main tasks for the role are to;

Provide confidential one-to-one advocacy to people who need support to have their voices heard within mental health and social care systems. Work with of people of all ages, with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical and sensory impairment, acquired brain injuries and those with dementia. Work in hospital settings & offices within the borough of Stockport. Effectively manage an individual caseload, prioritising work to meet the needs of people you are supporting Ensure that people accessing the service are supported to self-advocate whenever possible. Working in a non-instructed role where a patient detained under the Act lacks capacity. Liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with a range of mental health and social care professionals Attend and support people at meetings and forums such as, Safeguarding Protection Meetings, Mental Health Tribunals, Hospital Managers Hearings etc. Assist in providing a response to enquiries and referrals and contribute to the general running and development of Stockport Advocacy. Signpost people to other services where Stockport Advocacy is unable to provide support. Actively participate in support and supervision sessions and team meetings at company Head office. Take responsibility for your own learning and development, keeping up to date with changes in advocacy practice and legislation. Work in line with Stockport Advocacy's policies and procedures. To work within the Advocacy Charter and Code of Practice for Advocates

About you:

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people to speak up and be heard.

Please make sure you address all the points below in your personal statement. If you don't, we will assume you don't meet the criteria and it's unlikely we will invite you for an interview

You will;

Preferably live within or near the Stockport area. Travel expenses will only be paid within the contract working area. Understand the principles and role of advocacy. Understand the Mental Capacity Act. Have experience of working in, health or social care, preferably with people with mental health needs. Demonstrate excellent communication and negotiation skills -verbally and in writing. Have good IT skills. Be able to keep up to date, accurate and accessible records in line with Data Protection legislation. Be able to reflect on and learn from experience. Be able to use supervision and peer support effectively. Be able to manage and prioritise a complex and varied workload. Be able to identify and report on safeguarding issues. Be self-motivated and be able to work under own initiative. Have a flexible and positive approach. Work ethically and honestly. Be able to take personal responsibility for your own performance and decisions.

Additional requirements;

You will need to have a full driving licence and access to an insured vehicle that you can use for work purposes during your hours of work.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION

Certificate or Diploma in Independent Advocacy including units required to deliver IMHA .

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION

Previous training in the Mental Capacity Act. Previous training in Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding children. Previous training in equality and diversity Qualification in social care ( including the legal framework) Training in non-Instructed Advocacy Training in Confidentiality and Data Protection

Please note:-

Subject to a probationary period and an annual performance review. Appointment subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced with barred list check. Two satisfactory references and evidence must be provided of a right to work in the United Kingdom. Due to the independent nature of advocacy you must not be employed by any other health or social care organisation at the time of appointment. Only successful applicants will be contacted for interview.

To apply for this post please submit your CV with a personal statement explaining your suitability for this role. Please note we cannot accept a CV without a personal statement.

Benefits:

Company pension. Holidays:25 days per annum plus Bank Holidays pro rata. Holiday increase after 5 year's service by 1 day per year for 5 years. An extra day off for your birthday. Buy extra annual leave scheme A sick scheme is available after a qualifying period. 3% Employer Pension contribution.
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Job Types: Temporary, Full-time
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: 29,913.00 per year

Application question(s):

Do you have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for your working hours?
Experience:

working within the Mental health sector: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Diploma/Certificate in Independent Advocacy inc'g IMHA (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/08/2025
Reference ID: IMHA-SA