Forensic Advocate

Charity People; City Of London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in London is seeking a Forensic Advocate to provide advocacy for mental health patients. This part-time role, requiring 25 hours a week, offers excellent benefits including a pension contribution and annual leave. Candidates should have relevant advocacy experience and knowledge of mental health legislation. Effective communication and multi-tasking skills are essential for conducting this role, contributing to both individual client needs and collaborative partnerships in the community.

Benefits

Employer contribution to pension

Employee Assistance Programme

30 days annual leave pro rata

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a Forensic Advocacy role and in an Inpatient setting.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Mental Health Act 2007.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, inclusive advocacy to inpatients and community-based clients.
• Manage an active caseload, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks.
• Build effective relationships with ward staff and external agencies.
• Co-develop training for peer advocates and maintain knowledge of best practices.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills

Ability to produce well-written reports and meet deadlines

Ability to communicate clearly and assertively

Self-motivated

Approachable

Basic IT skills including Microsoft Office & Database Packages

Education

Experience in a Forensic Advocacy role

Knowledge of Mental Health Act 2007 and Mental Capacity Act 2005

Job description

Overview

Forensic Advocate – Mind in Enfield and Barnet, Chase Farm Hospital – Enfield (on site). Permanent, part time, 25 hours per week (full time option available). Up to £29,000 FTE. Excellent benefits including Employer contribution to pension, Employee Assistance Programme, 30 days annual leave pro rata.

Charity People are delighted to be partnering with Mind in Enfield and Barnet, a fast-growing charity in North London, to recruit a Forensic Advocate. Mind in Enfield and Barnet provides much needed therapy, wellbeing support and advocacy services to people with mental health problems. The Advocacy, Advice and Information department works to empower people and communities, and challenge stigma and disadvantage caused by Mental Health problems. They champion individual’s voices, uphold their rights, and promote personal autonomy through the provision of high-quality information, advice, and advocacy support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver High-Quality Patient Advocacy : Provide professional, inclusive advocacy to inpatients and community-based clients, ensuring their rights are upheld and concerns are addressed through direct support, representation at clinical meetings, and regular engagement.
• Maintain Casework and Service Standards : Manage an active caseload, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping, compliance with legal frameworks (e.g. Mental Health Act), and adherence to organisational standards and procedures.
• Develop Collaborative Partnerships and Outreach : Build effective relationships with ward staff, carers, peer advocates, and external agencies, coordinate monthly outreach clinics, and contribute to forums and community meetings to promote service integration.
• Support Training, Development, and Service Improvement : Co-develop training for peer advocates, staff, and carers, promote self-advocacy, participate in service development, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have some experience of working in a Forensic Advocacy role, as well as working in an Inpatient setting, and in an Advocacy role. You will have good knowledge of Mental Health Act 2007, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and other relevant legislation.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills
• Ability to produce well -written reports and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate clearly and assertively with a diverse range of colleagues and clients at all levels
• Be self-motivated
• Approachable and able to engage service users, placing boundaries when required
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Office & Database Packages

This role is providing specialist advocacy for 12 Forensic Wards at Chase Farm Hospital and in community locations. This is an on-site role.

If you would like full time hours, there is an option to increase the 25 hours for the Forensic Advocate role by taking on additional responsibilities as a Community Advocate.

How to apply

The application process is CV and a short covering note. For full details on how to apply, please apply via the link below and Jen D’Souza at Charity People will be in touch. Please indicate your preference for part time (25 hours) or full time (35 hours).

Early interest is encouraged as we are receiving applications on a rolling basis. Interviews will start taking place from mid-July 2025, with a view to start the role as soon as possible. The deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 22 July.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.