Senior Advocacy Project Worker

Inspire Wellbeing; Belfast; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Belfast is seeking a Senior Advocacy Project Worker to deliver high-quality Independent Advocacy Services. This role requires managing referrals and supporting individuals transitioning between service levels, ensuring continuity and person-centred care. The ideal candidate should have relevant professional qualifications along with at least 2 years of experience in a health and social care setting. Flexibility is essential, along with skills in advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Salary ranges from £31,863.77 to £35,016.00 per annum.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in social work or nursing registration required.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in health and social care.
• Understanding of Mental Capacity Act (NI) and Mental Health (NI) Order.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of Independent Advocacy across healthcare settings.
• Manage referrals for advocacy support from inpatient and community services.
• Coordinate advocacy during transitions between community and inpatient settings.

Skills

Flexibility

Advocacy practice

Management of complex caseloads

Communication skills

Education

Professional Social Work Qualification

QCF/NVQ level 3 in a related subject

Job description

The Senior Advocacy Project Worker plays a key role in the coordination and delivery of Independent Advocacy Services across community and clinical settings, in line with Northern Ireland mental health legislation, Human Rights and best practice standards. They will act as the main point of contact for their assigned Health and Social Care Trust area, overseeing local referrals, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery. This role supports the aims of Inspire’s Community Wellbeing Services by helping to ensure that advocacy is accessible, responsive, and person-centred. This post will require evening and weekend work. Flexibility is essential to meet the evolving needs of our service users. The postholder is pivotal in providing holistic and consistent advocacy support, ensuring continuity of care for individuals as they move between different levels of support, for example, if a service user receiving community wellbeing support becomes unwell and requires admission to an inpatient setting, or transitions back into the community. The Senior Advocacy Project Worker ensures that individuals are supported across these transitions, promoting stability, empowerment, and person‑led recovery. This role will be based at an Inspire Community Wellbeing Service within the Health & Social Care Trust area assigned.

Responsibilities

• Support the consistent delivery of high-quality, Independent Advocacy in accordance with relevant Northern Ireland legislation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advocacy activity within a designated Health and Social Care Trust area.
• 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.
• Support continuity of advocacy where individuals are transitioning between community-based and inpatient settings, maintaining consistent contact and tailored support throughout their journey.
• Assist with the induction and day-to-day support of new staff and volunteers working within the advocacy team.

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.
• 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 register.
• A qualified Occupational Therapist registered with the HCPC.
• AndA 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.

Vacancy ID 1748904 Job ref. NTX1156239 Job Sector Carers and Support Workers,Childcare and Social Work Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary £31,863.77 - £35,016.00 per annum No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 03/12/2025 Closing date 17/12/2025 Worktime Monday - Friday, times to be confirmed