Self-Employed Independent Mental Health Advocate

The Vacancy

We are looking to recruit Self-Employed Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) to work in the following areas:

Warrington - WA2 8TR

Atherton - M46 9NT

Luton - LU4 0LU

You will need to hold the IMHA Qualification City and Guilds 3614 or be undertaking the IMHA City and Guilds 3614 training course.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate. 

Our Service

Our service provides independent Mental Health advocacy working in line with the Mental Health Act 1983 code of practice to patients within Tier 4 services to ensure that individuals who are admitted to hospital are supported to exercise their rights and voice their views and wishes in respect of their care and treatment.

This also includes representing them during discharge meetings, ward rounds and at multi-disciplinary team meetings.  You will be required to produce written reports with the purpose of ensuring the views of patients are fully represented.

We work with adults and children and young people:

Warrington - WA2 8TR - Adults

Atherton - M46 9NT - Adults

Luton - LU4 0LU – Young People

You will need to evidence using specific examples in your application how your skills and experience meet the criteria in the person specification.

Essential skills and experience:

• Hold the IMHA qualification City and Guilds 3614 or undertaking the IMHA training course
• Proven practice experience in delivering direct work to children, young people and vulnerable adults in a social care or mental health setting
• Experience and understanding of child protection/vulnerable adult safeguarding procedures
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times
• An understanding of the importance of listening to children, young people and vulnerable adults without bias or prejudice.
• Ability to communicate in an effective way.
• Ability to record concise case notes and produce good quality reports

Safeguarding and Training

You will be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance training including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity.

You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer, and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change lives.

For more information, please view the attached contract delivery specification. Please contact recruitment@nyas.net for any questions prior to applying.