Role Description: Mental Health Advocate

1. Are you passionate about ensuring people with mental health conditions are treated fairly and with respect?
2. Could you help improve the life of a person detained under the mental health act by listening to their feelings, thoughts and wishes?
3. Would you like to gain experience in the health and social care sector?

About the Role: Following training as a mental health advocate for ASIST you will support individuals detained under the mental health act to be involved in decisions about their care.  You will ensure the person understands their rights under the Mental Health Act and support them to communicate with professionals involved in their care and treatment, this may involve attending meetings with/ on behalf of the individual.  

A mental health advocate would usually support individuals over a short duration. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role. Previous convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet in person with your advocacy partner to ascertain their views and wishes.
• Support your advocacy partner to come to decisions about what they would like to happen.
• Support your advocacy partner to speak up about their care and treatment.
• Attend training, supervision and support sessions as required.
• Maintain accurate records of visits and report any concerns or issues to the Volunteer Coordinator in a timely manner.
• Always represent ASIST positively and maintain confidentiality and professionalism in your role.
• Act in accordance with the ASIST policies and procedures and adhere to all relevant safeguarding and child protection legislation.
• Being a driver and having business insurance would be useful, however the use of public transport can be considered.

Skills and Experience:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with people experiencing mental health conditions.
• Being able to adapt communication to meet the needs of the person.
• Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage your time effectively and keep accurate records.
• Ability to understand legislation relevant to the person’s care.
• A commitment to the welfare and protection of vulnerable people, and a willingness to undergo appropriate training and supervision.
• Previous experience of working with people in mental health inpatient settings is desirable, but not essential.
• A good standard of written English is essential.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to empower vulnerable adults to have a voice in their care and support planning.
• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience working with people subject to the mental health act.
• Training, (safeguarding, GDPR and Data Protection, Suicide Prevention, Prevent, Watching Brief, Legislative training) shadowing opportunities, support and supervision from the ASIST staff team.
• Depending on your commitment, volunteers may be offered the opportunity to undertake the National Advocacy Qualification.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses incurred as part of the role.
• Asist will provide a reference for future employment after 6 months.
• Opportunities to apply for paid employment at ASIST with the guarantee of an interview as an internal applicant.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the life of people detained under the Mental Health Act. If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable people and have the necessary skills and qualities for the role, we would love to hear from you.