Job Description

We welcome new candidates to apply and join our growing team.

Previous applicants

, whilst appreciated, are kindly

advised not to reapply

.

This is a standalone part-time role and cannot be combined with the other vacancy

Length of contract:

Fixed-Term until 31 December 2026 (Subject to continuation of funding)

Salary:

25,464.00 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)

Based at:

Whittingham (Preston)

Hours:

18.5 hours per week

Responsible to:

Advocacy Manager

Our Mission

We help people to achieve the outcomes that matter to them in their lives, by providing high quality advocacy.

Purpose of role

To provide specialist Statutory Advocacy to residents in Lancashire, promoting self-advocacy and empowerment and enabling people to make informed decisions and get their views heard in matters relating to mental health and/or care and support needs within health and social care. This will be through one-to-one advocacy and other models of advocacy as required. This activity will include working with adults with learning disabilities, people with mental health needs, people with physical and sensory impairment, older people and people that lack capacity.

Key tasks

Primarily to provide Independent Advocacy support as defined under the Mental Health Act (2007) at either a site in Whalley or Whittingham. Ensure individuals understand their rights, treatment options, and the role of advocacy. Support people to express their views during key meetings, tribunals, ward rounds, and discharge planning discussions. Use non-instructed advocacy approaches to support people. Apply appropriate Non-Instructed Advocacy methods, such as:
o Rights-based

o Witness Observer

o Person-centred

o Watching Brief

Ensure the person's rights, best interests, dignity, and preferences (as far as they can be known) are represented in decision making processes. There is also the need to provide Independent Advocacy under the Mental Capacity Act (2005), Care Act (2014), and Advocacy Standards to individuals in community, residential and hospital settings. Manage a client caseload and ensure accurate case management and record keeping. Provide information, support, or signpost clients, to inform or empower individuals on any issues regarding their health and care. Including mental health treatment under the amended 2007 Mental Health Act, deprivation of liberty safeguards under Mental Capacity Act and support with safeguarding under Care Act (2014). Advocate for individuals within a variety of meetings relating to their care and treatment, to include ward rounds, case conferences, Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, mental health assessments, best interests meetings and safeguarding meetings. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant mental capacity, mental health and community care policy, legislation, case law, and good practice. Work within the appropriate legislation, as well as agreed case-working standards and monitoring requirements Work as a member of the team, attend quarterly team meetings, peer group meetings, and contribute towards service planning and developments for advocacy and the wider organisation. Represent Advocacy Focus at various meetings/promotional events as required and to provide feedback to the team. Mentor and supervise volunteers and students to support clients through casework and peer advocacy groups. Be flexible to support work across all service areas to meet referral, geographical and organisational demands Undertake duties in line with safeguarding and GDPR principles. Produce reports for the Advocacy Managers, SLT and, others as required.

Please note that if you click to apply, you will be sent an application form to complete and return.

These vacancies will close on the 12th February. However we may close them sooner if a large amount of applications are received, therefore it is advised to complete and return your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Shortlisting is completed anonymously. People applying for the roles will be assessed against the essential criteria for the post. Only people who can clearly demonstrate how they meet our person specification criteria in their application will be short-listed.

About Advocacy Focus

Our charity's vision is that advocacy is available to all who may need it in our community. We want every person we support to know that they have power and control over every decision in their lives. Our team, which includes employees, volunteers and trustees, are all dedicated to supporting the well-being of people in our local communities.

Wellbeing starts with our people and Advocacy Focus have, for the second year running, won the coveted 'Top Employer' award in MIND's Workplace Wellbeing Index. The health and wellbeing of our people is our key focus. A positive workplace experience for our team, will lead to a positive advocacy journey for the people we support.

Support

Support is available to people with disabilities when applying for roles. For more information on reasonable adjustments please contact our People Team.

Advocacy Focus is committed to fighting any forms of discrimination. We want to be the employer of choice for people, regardless of a person's background or characteristics. We know that not everyone is the same and that people will need different support to untap their talents. We are working hard to make sure that our team fully understands the needs of our communities in the areas we work. At the moment we are really keen to hear from men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with a physical or mental disability and people from an ethnic minority background.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 11 months

Pay: 25,464.00 per year

Expected hours: 18.5 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Casual dress Company events Company pension Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance Private medical insurance Referral programme Unlimited paid holidays
Experience:

Advocacy : 1 year (preferred) Health and Social Care: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person