Senior Advocacy Project Worker

Inspire Wellbeing; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A health and social care organization is looking for a Senior Advocacy Project Worker to provide Independent Advocacy. The role involves managing referrals, promoting client rights, and ensuring high-quality support within mental health frameworks. Ideal candidates will have a background in social work or nursing, along with experience in advocacy and community services.

Qualifications

• A full driving license and access to a car.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in health and social care.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality Independent Advocacy.
• Manage referrals for advocacy support.
• Promote the rights and best interests of individuals.

Skills

Flexibility

Advocacy practice

Report writing

Knowledge of Mental Capacity Act

Client engagement

Education

Professional Social Work Qualification

First level registered Nurse

Qualified Occupational Therapist

QCF/NVQ level 3 in a related subject

Job description

We are Inspire.We work together with people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism and addictions to ensure they live with dignity and realise their full potential.At Inspire, we value inclusivity, passion, determination, kindness, honesty, and innovation. If you’re someone who shares these values and wants to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, we want to hear from you.About the Role:We are currently recruiting a Senior Advocacy Project Worker to join our dynamic Mental Health and Addictions Services team.In this role, you will be at the heart of delivering Independent Advocacy to people navigating complex mental health and community wellbeing systems. You’ll act as the key point of contact for advocacy services within your designated Health and Social Care Trust area, ensuring person-centred support is provided in both community and clinical settings.Sound Like a Good Fit?Click Apply Now to start your journey with us. If you have questions or would like to chat to someone before applying, we’d love to hear from you.At Inspire, we believe in people and that includes you.Please note if successful at interview, the applicant will have to complete an enhanced disclosure check.Following the interviews a waiting list will be created for similar posts for a nine month period.Inspire is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection based on merit.Our Organisation:Inspire is an all-island charity and social enterprise and our aim is wellbeing for all. We work together with people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism and addictions to ensure they live with dignity and realise their full potential.We campaign to create a society free from stigma and discrimination with a culture of compassion that focuses on people and their abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the consistent delivery of high-quality, Independent Advocacy in accordance with relevant Northern Ireland legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016, Mental Health (NI) Order 1986, DoLS, Human Rights Act 1998
• Coordinate and manage referrals for advocacy support from both hospital inpatient services and community-based teams, ensuring individuals receive a seamless advocacy response across service environments.
• Deliver advocacy using instructed and non-instructed approaches, always promoting the person’s rights, wishes, and best interests.
• Support your manager by taking on local coordination tasks when required, such as scheduling, communications, or stakeholder liaison.
• Assist with the induction and day-to-day support of new staff and volunteers working within the advocacy team.
• Support the gathering of client feedback, monitoring data, and case studies to inform quality improvement efforts.

Skills and Qualifications

• To be flexible to meet the needs of the service
• A full current driving licence and access to a car. Business insurance will be required. Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence.
• You will be expected to travel between your base (Community Well-being Service, hospitals & community locations)
• A Professional qualification for example:Professional Social Work Qualification and registered on the appropriate part of NISCC
• First level registered Nurse on the appropriate part of nursing and midwifery council registerA qualified Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPCAND
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in a health and social care setting OR
• Be educated to QCF/NVQ level 3 or equivalent in a related subject for e.g. care plus a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a social care setting.
• Working knowledge of Mental Capacity Act (NI 2016 and Mental Health (NI) Order 1986)
• Ability to manage a busy and complex caseload independently, while maintaining high standards of Advocacy practice & record keeping
• Proven experience of advocating for and ensuring the wishes/feelings of Service Users are heard.
• Ability to produce accurate, high-quality monthly monitoring reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of how Community Wellbeing Services support the mental Health of people accessing our Advocacy Services.