Independent Advocate in Medway (Statutory)

Job Description About Libra Partnership Founded in 2016, Libra has provided a voice for hundreds of individuals across the UK by delivering Statutory and non-statutory advocacy. We are a team of over 20 dedicated and knowledgeable Independent Advocates whose regular training combined with both lived and professional experience enable us to provide advocacy support of the highest standard. It is an exciting time of further growth for us and we are looking for a new person to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your advocacy skills in a supportive environment. Role overview: As an Independent Advocate (statutory) you will work closely with your team members to ensure delivery of the service to the highest standards within Medway and surrounding areas. Statutory Advocacy in Medway is focused on representing the views, wishes and feelings of qualifying individuals under The Mental Health Act, The Care Act, The Mental Capacity Act and Relevant Persons Representative (RPR), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Care Act Advocacy (CAA) and also supporting people with Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) and NHS complaints. Although this is a full time role, flexible working arrangements including part time working and job shares may be considered. Location: Working from home with travel across Medway and occasionally Kent, for meetings with clients. You will also be based in Medway Hospital for up to 1 day per week. You must live within a reasonable distance of Medway and be willing to travel within the area. Key responsibilities: - To work as part of a team to provide outcome-focused, issue-based, person-directed independent advocacy, in line with the relevant legislation for the advocacy discipline, regulations, codes of practice, and internal policy & procedures. - To effectively manage your own caseload of clients and prioritise work accordingly including visits, report writing and professional meetings - To liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with a wide range of people and organisations and professionals - To identify risks in delivering the service and ensure compliance with risk management procedures - To understand the relevant legislation and all organisational procedures in relation to safeguarding, including the need for timely and accurate reporting - To prioritise all work to meet the needs of clients and decision-makers - To understand individual responsibility for organisational and personal health and safety - To always act on behalf of the client, following their instruction where applicable, acting as directed by them, and representing their wishes or choices. - To promote the rights, equality, diversity, and needs of all by ensuring they are respected and valued as individuals. - Promote self-advocacy as a strategy to build confidence and independence - Ensure accurate recording and reporting of all data - A commitment to training and continual personal development The skills and qualities we hope you have: - An understanding of the health and social care sector, and relevant legislation as it applies to the role - Independent Advocacy Qualification L4 or a willingness to work towards - Relevant experience delivering advocacy - Organized and motivated with the ability to work to tight deadlines - Own car or confident with public transport, and a willingness to travel for work (Meway and Kent) - Comfortable working from home/remotely and managing your own schedule - Interested in personal and professional development - Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - An understanding of the purpose and principles of Independent Advocacy Desirable experience: - Experience in supporting people through Best Interest Meetings, Care Act assessments, Safeguarding Enquiries, or Mental Health meetings etc - Experience in working on Mental Health wards in hospital settings - Experience in working with Social Care professionals - Experience in supporting people through the NHS complaint’s procedure What we offer: - Regular working hours - Monday to Friday 9-5 - Remote working with travel to see clients - Competitive pay plus workplace pension - A generous Annual Leave Policy 28 days’ paid holiday per holiday year + Bank Holidays - A work phone and laptop with IT support - Ongoing training and development opportunities - Support from our amazing team Although this is a full time role, flexible working arrangements including part time working and job shares may be considered. Applications including a cover letter will be prioritised during the recruitment process. The closing date for application is 21st December 2024, however, we reserve the right to withdraw the advert early should we find the right candidate. Interviews will take place on Thursday 16th January 2025 in Maidstone. Due to the nature of the work, you will need to provide references and undertake a full DBS check prior to starting with us.